Questions about how public money is being used have once again come into sharp focus after lawmakers turned their attention to the Office of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. At the center of the concern is spending on helicopter hire, which has raised eyebrows both in Parliament and among the public.
The issue came up during a review by the Public Accounts Committee on April 9. The committee is examining Ksh478 million in unpaid bills linked to the 2024/2025 financial year. Out of this amount, Ksh150 million is tied to helicopter services alone, a figure that lawmakers say demands closer scrutiny.
Records presented to the committee show repeated high-value payments for helicopter use across different counties. Some of these entries stood out because of how much was spent within very short periods. In one case, a single day of travel reportedly cost over Ksh8 million, covering trips to Tharaka Nithi, Laikipia, Isiolo, and Kitui.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo questioned whether such spending could be justified.
“There is a particular entry for a chopper to Tharaka Nithi, Laikipia, Isiolo, and Kitui, which shows Ksh8.08 million in one day,” he told the committee. He then raised a concern many Kenyans might share: “Many of the entries get to 3 to 4 million. Is it practical to spend 8 million in one day?”
The committee did not receive a clear explanation at the time. Its chair, Tindi Mwale, responded by saying that the deputy president has the right to travel, but the remark did not fully address whether the trips were strictly official.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki aligning a plane. Photo Courtesy:
Particular attention has also been placed on frequent trips to Tharaka Nithi, which is the deputy president’s home county. Lawmakers are now questioning whether some of these visits could fall outside official duties, raising concerns about possible conflict of interest if public funds were used without clear government purpose.
The committee has since asked the deputy president’s office to provide detailed records within one week. These include receipts, travel schedules, and proof that each trip served a public function.
Beyond helicopter costs, lawmakers also reviewed other expenses such as catering, staff support, and flowers. While such costs can be part of official events, the committee questioned whether they were reasonable given the country’s current economic pressure.
Another concern raised was the absence of an internal audit committee in the deputy president’s office. This body is required to oversee spending and ensure accountability. Without it, there is a higher risk that questionable expenses may go unchecked.
In response, the office said it is working with the National Treasury to manage its budget and reduce pending bills. It also promised to improve financial controls. However, lawmakers maintain that explanations are still needed for the large sums already spent.
With rising living costs and ongoing public debt challenges, the matter has drawn wider attention.
The outcome of the committee’s inquiry is now being closely followed as Kenyans wait for clearer answers on how public funds were used.
