The government is planning to spend Ksh600 million on upgrading the official residence of deputy president Rigathi Gachagua in Karen, Nairobi.

This was after Gachagua raised concerns that his official residence was in bad condition.

According to a report by the Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o, the government will spend Ksh600 million taxpayers’ money to renovate Gachagua’s residence that was constructed using Ksh450 million.

In a report released on Tuesday February 20, 2024, Nyakang’o stated that already Ksh100 million had been used initially to renovate Gachagua’s official residence. 

The controller of budget further disclosed that the upgrading work began in July 2023 to ensure the deputy president lives in a better environment. 

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Speaking during a press briefing in March 2023, the DP disclosed that he had not occupied the Karen residence, alleging that it had a leaking roof and some equipment at the house were broken.

At that time, Gachagua blamed former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee administration for neglecting the responsibility of ensuring the DP’s residence is well maintained. 

He added that it was part of the plans of Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration to punish William Ruto, who was deputy president at that time. 

“The official residence of the Deputy President was in bad shape when I became Deputy President. The rooftop was leaking, the borehole pump was broken down, and the house was totally in bad shape,” he alleged.

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However, reports indicate that Gachagua moved to his official Karen residence in May 2023. 

Additionally, the DP had been holding official meetings and engagements with diplomats at his Karen residence.