If we are broke, Presidency must not be profligate

A protestor holds a plate of ugali on June 11, 2015, outside parliament buildings. [File, Standard]

On a day the President told Kenyans - who feel already overtaxed - to expect further taxation, saying he was not ready to lead a bankrupt country, a contradiction of sorts emerged. Officials from the Office of the Deputy President (DP) tabled in the National Assembly documents to defend a Sh1.12 billion budget request to renovate his office.

Sh660 million will be used to renovate his official Karen residence while Sh460.4 million will do the same work at Harambee House Annex. And that's not all. Among others, the DP also wants to spend Sh200 million to buy new vehicles and Sh250 million for the purchase of medals, honours and insignia.