Kenyans are scratching their heads over the lavish spending habits of Deputy Rigathi Gachagua’s office. Despite preaching the need for budget cuts in the government, they splurged a staggering Sh10 million on curtains. This raised eyebrows nationwide, especially as austerity measures were being emphasized.
Adding to the intrigue, it’s been revealed that Gachagua’s office still owes suppliers a hefty sum of Sh58.2 million from the 2022/2023 financial year, which has now been carried over to 2023/2024.
Moreover, a shocking Sh18.14 million was spent solely on curtains and furniture sourced from a single supplier.
The Auditor-General, Nancy Gathungu, brought these details to light in her recent report on public spending for the year ending June 2023.
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Such extravagant expenditures have left many questioning the priorities of Gachagua’s office, particularly in a time of economic uncertainty.
Kenyans are understandably concerned about the justification behind these lavish purchases, especially when essential services need funding.
They’re urging Deputy President Gachagua’s office to provide transparency and accountability regarding their spending decisions.
As the public demands answers, the spotlight is on Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his office to address these concerns and justify their extravagant expenditures.
The report by the Auditor General further revealed that Gachagua’s office did not pay suppliers Sh. 58.2 million and instead pushed the bills to the current financial year.
The report has further unearthed instances where suppliers issued invoices for goods and services that had not been requested.
“Documents provided for audit revealed various conflicts in dates from the time of initiating and processing the procurements for payment, with some invoice dates preceding user requisitions. This is contrary to Section 53 (1) of the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015 which states that all procurements by State Organs and public entities are subject to the rules and principles of the Act,” the report stated.
The report has revealed mega spending by the country’s senior offices that goes contrary to the government’s call on austerity.
The report comes hot on the heels of the National Treasury’s budgetary review report that has revealed that State House spent Sh. 5.37 billion in the six months to December 2023. This spending saw the State House overshoot its allocated budget by Sh. 447 million.
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