As the government continues to implement austerity measures, the office of the First Lady, Rachael Ruto, is facing a major blow.
The budget for her office has been slashed by a whopping Sh5 billion, with the comptroller, Katoo Ole Metito, now seeking reinstatement of Sh1.7 billion to cover essential expenses.
But here’s the twist: the staff at the office are not just any ordinary employees. They have existing contracts that need to be honored, and Metito is warning that stopping their salaries would attract legal consequences.
The staff are fighting for their right to be paid despite the disbandment of their office.
The drama unfolded during a meeting between Metito and the committee on administration and internal security, where he appealed for MPs to reconsider reinstating some of the cuts.
According to Metito, some staff have three-year contracts while others have five-year contracts, and halting their salaries would be a breach of their agreements.
The move has sparked outrage among MPs, with some questioning why the government is prioritizing luxury expenses over essential services.
Metito’s appeal came as a response to questions from Saku MP Dido Raso, who sought to know about the fate of the employees in the office of the First Lady.
Raso expressed concern that the staff were innocent and should not be punished for the sake of others.
The disbandment of the office’s budget was announced in a mini-budget presented to parliament, which scrapped budget lines for the offices of both First Lady Rachael Ruto and Second Lady Dorcas Gachagua.
However, Metito argued that State House has already paid a heavy price in the budget cuts and is urging MPs to reconsider reinstating some of the cuts to allow for normal operations of the office of the President.
He highlighted that hospitality expenses, for instance, are critical for hosting international guests and dignitaries at State House.
The reinstatement of Sh1.7 billion would cover various expenses, including Sh591.9 million for compensation of employees at the office of the First Lady, Sh37.9 million for communication, supplies and services at State House, Sh389.9 million for domestic travel and other transportation costs, Sh114.642 million for foreign travel, Sh25.668 million for supplies and services, Sh43.917 million for rentals of produced assets, and Sh532.144 million for hospitality supplies and services.
