A recent audit report by Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu has revealed significant ethnic disparities in staffing within the office of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The 2023/24 financial year audit indicates that out of 542 employees, 249—approximately 46%—were from a single ethnic community. This concentration violates the National Cohesion and Integration Act of 2008, which mandates that no public institution should have more than one-third of its staff from the same ethnic group.

Additionally, the audit uncovered that 42 staff members received net salaries less than one-third of their basic pay in various months, breaching the Employment Act, 2007, which stipulates that deductions should not exceed two-thirds of an employee’s earnings.

The report also highlighted pending bills amounting to Ksh. 4.8 million as of June 30, 2024, which were carried over to the 2024/25 financial year, potentially disrupting subsequent budgetary allocations.

These findings underscore the need for enhanced accountability and adherence to employment diversity standards within public institutions.