NAIROBI, Kenya — The office of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has come under scrutiny over rising operational costs, including extensive helicopter travel and pending bills amounting to Sh478 million.
The concerns emerged during a session of the National Assembly Public Accounts Committee, where lawmakers questioned officials over heavy spending on air travel and unpaid obligations to suppliers and service providers.
Audit documents for the 2024/25 financial year show that the office spent nearly Sh8 million in a single day on helicopter travel across multiple counties. Legislators said the office owes about Sh150 million specifically for helicopter services.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo questioned whether the scale of expenditure represented value for money.
“There is an entry here for chopper use from Tharaka, Laikipia, Isiolo, Kitui for Sh8 million a day. Is it reasonable?” he asked.
Members also raised concerns over repeated travel to specific locations, including trips to areas linked to the Deputy President’s home region. Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo queried the pattern, asking, “Kipipiri, Tharaka, Tharaka, Tharaka… can the Deputy President work in one village?”
Public Accounts Committee chair Tindi Mwale defended the Deputy President’s entitlement to travel, noting that the office-holder has official and personal obligations across the country.
“The DP has a right to go home… yes, he is the Deputy President,” Mwale said.
However, MPs maintained pressure on the justification for costs, insisting the office explain whether spending Sh8 million in a single day was reasonable and necessary.
Beyond travel, lawmakers also questioned expenditure on hospitality services, including catering, fresh flowers, and foodstuffs, amid the accumulation of unpaid bills.
Officials from the Deputy President’s office, led by Principal Administrative Secretary Moses Mbaruku, were tasked with explaining how the costs were incurred and outlining plans to settle pending obligations.
The committee said it would continue reviewing the expenditure to determine compliance with public finance regulations and assess whether the spending delivered value for taxpayers.
