KSh 8 Million a Day: Inside the Helicopter Spending Storm in Kindiki’s Office

Pressure is building around the Office of the Deputy President after lawmakers flagged heavy spending on helicopter travel. The issue has sparked debate over how public funds are used at the highest levels of government. At the centre of the concerns is Kithure Kindiki, whose office is now facing tough questions from Parliament.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is investigating pending bills worth KSh 478 million for the 2024/2025 financial year. A significant portion of that amount; about KSh 150 million, was reportedly spent on hiring helicopters. What has drawn the most attention, however, is evidence suggesting that some days saw spending rise to as high as KSh 8 million on flights alone.

Members of the committee say the numbers are difficult to ignore. Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo openly questioned the logic behind such figures. “Is it practical to spend 8 million in one day?” he asked, pointing to multiple entries showing millions spent per trip. His concerns reflect a wider worry about whether taxpayers are getting value for money.

Travel logs show the helicopters were used for trips across several counties, including Tharaka Nithi, Laikipia, Isiolo and Kitui. This has triggered further questions, with some lawmakers wondering if all the journeys were strictly official or if some were linked to personal convenience.

Committee chair Tindi Mwale acknowledged the Deputy President’s freedom of movement but maintained that accountability cannot be overlooked. “The deputy president has the right to go home and come back,” he stated, while still pushing for clearer justification of the costs.

Beyond travel, the committee is also reviewing spending on hospitality, including catering and administrative expenses. The absence of a fully operational audit committee has added to the concerns, raising fears about weak oversight.

As scrutiny intensifies, the Deputy President’s office says it is working with the Treasury to manage expenses and address outstanding bills, even as public attention remains fixed on the unfolding probe.