It will cost the government Kshs600 million to renovate the official residence of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, that is located in Karen.

The residence that sits on a 10-acre piece of land was constructed during the reign of former president Mwai Kibaki at a cost of  Kshs450 million.

A report from the controller of budget released on Tuesday February 20 revealed that the government has already used Kshs100 million for basic renovations that kicked off in July 2023.

Six months after being sworn to office, Gachagua, in March 2023, revealed that he was yet to occupy the residence because it was in bad shape

“The official residence of the deputy president was in poor shape when I became the Deputy President, the rooftop was leaking, toilets were not working, and the borehole pump had broken down, the house was in totally in poor shape,” Gachagua said then.

“Even if I would want to move into the residence, that place is not fit to live in. I found William Ruto staying in house where the roof was leaking… They had moved to a corner house together with his family,” the second in command added.

He further alleged that the former government failed to disburse funds that could be used to manage the residence hence manipulating Ruto. This, according to him, was  due to the fallout  between former president  Uhuru Kenyatta and Ruto, who was his deputy at the time.

However, In May 2023 reports indicated that Gachagua moved to the residence where he has been having official meetings with various diplomats.

Meanwhile, renovations have also been going on at the Statehouse, the official residence of the head of state.  A presidential Dias, that cost taxpayers Kshs795 million, has already been setup

Government to spend Ksh600 million to refurbish DP Gachagua’s Karen residence pic.twitter.com/I6ifWS9QAj

— Kenyans.co.ke (@Kenyans) February 21, 2024