Questioning the Use of Public Funds Given to Former VP Kalonzo: An International Perspective

One of the prominent figures within the Kenya Kwanza administration has demanded an examination into how public money designated for ex-Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka is being spent.

Didmus Barasa, the Member of Parliament for Kimilili, stated that public monies allocated to former government employees should undergo regular examination to guarantee their proper utilization.

Speaking on KTN, Barasa emphasised that, like all public entities receiving exchequer funding, Kalonzo’s allocation must be subject to periodic audits to assess its propriety.

“Retired Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka receives certain funds, and starting from May 6, we will examine how he utilizes these resources to ensure his contributions aid the nation,” stated Barasa.

We will start requesting a detailed account of how this funds are being utilized.

Kalonzo, who leads the Wiper party, is eligible for various state-provided perks due to his status as a previous vice president.

By law, the government offers retired presidents, prime ministers, and vice presidents monthly allocations to run their offices, pay staff, maintain official vehicles, fuel, cover travel expenses, and provide for entertainment.

These additional perks come along with monthly pensions set at 80 percent of what they earned while serving in office.

Nevertheless, Kalonzo is one of the former government officials whose benefits have been suggested for substantial cuts by the National Treasury.

In the 2025/26 budget estimates presented to Parliament, Kalonzo, who held the position of Kenya’s vice president from 2008 to 2013, will likely experience a decrease in funding by Sh28.4 million, dropping from Sh81.36 million down to Sh52.9 million.

The biggest cut will be in insurance costs, expected to reduce by Sh20 million, whereas the budget for domestic travel is planned to decline from Sh3.25 million down to Sh2.06 million.

In response to queries regarding the suggested reductions, Barasa stated that the National Treasury had presented only a proposition that would undergo scrutiny by Parliament.

“We will examine the reasoning behind this, and if we do not find the explanation provided by the National Treasury satisfactory, we will reinstate the funds,” Barasa stated during a KTN interview on Tuesday evening.