KSh 8 Million Daily Chopper Bill Sparks Parliamentary Firestorm

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is entering the Kenya Air Force plane headed for Diani Airport on February 28, 2026.

The Office of the Deputy President on Thursday came under scrutiny over its spending on helicopter travel, as the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee interrogated pending bills totaling Ksh478 million for the 2024/2025 financial year.

Lawmakers questioned an expenditure of up to Ksh8 million per day on helicopter services, with the office currently owing Ksh150 million to service providers.

An inquiry into the pending bills indicated that a significant portion of the debt stemmed from helicopter use linked to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s official movements.

Members of the committee raised concerns over whether the spending represented value for money for taxpayers.

“There is an entry here for chopper use from Tharaka, Laikipia, Isiolo, Tharaka, Kitui… for Ksh8 million a day… is it reasonable?” Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo posed.

Lawmakers also sought clarification on the frequency of trips to Tharaka Nithi County, the Deputy President’s home region.

“Kipipiri, Tharaka, Tharaka, Tharaka… can the Deputy President work in one village?” Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo questioned.

Committee chairperson Tindi Mwale defended the Deputy President’s right to travel, even as concerns persisted over the use of public funds.

“The DP has a right to go home… yes, he is the Deputy President,” Mwale stated.

However, members maintained pressure, demanding justification for the high daily expenditure.

“I had asked whether it is practicable to spend Ksh8 million in one day… that at least you can answer,” Otiende added.

Meanwhile, the Deputy President’s Principal Administrative Secretary Moses Mbaruku was also put to task over spending on hospitality, including catering services, fresh flowers, and foodstuffs.