Gachagua’s move to DP’s Karen residence raises eyebrows

After more than six months since being sworn in, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has officially moved into his official residence in Karen.

This residence was built on a 10-acre parcel of land by former President Mwai Kibaki’s government for a cost of Sh450 million.

On Monday, Gachagua hosted visiting Colombia Vice President Francia Marquez at the Deputy President’s Official Residence for political discussions, which resulted in the signing of MoUs and Declarations for collaboration and cooperation.

A number of Cabinet Secretaries and top government officials were present at the event.

The house had been previously occupied by former Vice President Moody Awori and DP William Ruto, who christened it the hustlers’ mansion.

In March, Gachagua cited leaks and broken borehole pumps as the reasons for his delayed move into the official residence. He claimed that the Office of the Deputy President lacked funds for maintenance and repairs.

Additionally, Gachagua alleged that Ruto financed his office for four years during his last term as Deputy President and personally catered for electricity bills, fuel, and accommodation for his staff during transit.

Last September, Gachagua expressed reluctance to leave his previous residence due to his emotional attachment to it, as it held many memories with his family. It remains unclear if Gachagua will shift his operations completely from Harambee House Annex to the official Karen residence.