EACC Sets Record Straight on Contractor Receiving Double Payments for Renovating DP’s Karen Residence
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has addressed concerns about possible financial mismanagement, confirming that the contractors involved in the Deputy President’s Karen residence renovation in the 2013/2014 fiscal year were not overpaid. This clarification follows public concerns regarding the alleged misuse of funds due to duplicate payments.
This information was disclosed in EACC’s quarterly report, which details cases forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) from April 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024.
EACC’s investigation revealed that the renovation project, initially handled by a different contractor who was dismissed for non-performance, was completed by a second contractor.
In 2013, then Deputy President William Ruto, now the President, recommended a full renovation of the official residence upon inspection before moving in.
The EACC also determined that the Ministry of Lands was responsible for overseeing the renovation project. Their further inquiries confirmed that only the second contractor received payment, negating any claims of duplicate payments.
The report highlights that the renovations were necessary and were executed without any financial improprieties, dismissing allegations of misused public funds.
After concluding its investigation, the EACC submitted its findings to the DPP on June 3, 2024, with a recommendation to close the case. The DPP’s response is still pending.
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The official Karen residence, built under former President Mwai Kibaki’s administration at a cost of Ksh.450 million, spans 10 acres and has been home to several Vice Presidents since its inauguration in November 2012.
Currently, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua resides at the Karen residence, becoming the second occupant after President Ruto, who had dubbed it the “hustlers’ mansion.”
Despite the official residence being available, DP Gachagua initially lived in his private home for six months, citing the need for renovations before moving in.
In a May 2023 interview with Mt Kenya vernacular stations, Gachagua explained that the residence was in disrepair, with issues like a leaking roof and a malfunctioning borehole pump.
Gachagua also noted that during Ruto’s tenure as Deputy President, he covered expenses for electricity, fuel, and staff accommodation when necessary, due to insufficient funds allocated for such needs.
In May 2024, Njeri Eugene, the head of DP’s communication service, announced that the Office requested Ksh.300 million for renovating the Harambee House Annex Office, and the official residences in Karen and Mombasa, citing 15 years of neglect.
However, a month later, the Treasury declared a freeze on all public office renovations as part of austerity measures introduced by President Ruto to address the nation’s economic challenges.
EACC Sets Record Straight on Contractor Receiving Double Payments for Renovating DP’s Karen Residence
