Sh36 billion budget? Lies!- Spokesperson Mwaura refutes big budget claims
Mwaura described the claim as a blatant falsehood and called on Gichengo to refrain from spreading misleading information that could provoke public mistrust toward his office and other senior government officials.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has refuted allegations made by Transparency International Kenya (TISA) official Diana Gichengo that his office operates on a Sh36 billion budget.
Mwaura described the claim as a blatant falsehood and called on Gichengo to refrain from spreading misleading information that could provoke public mistrust toward his office and other senior government officials.
In a statement released on Friday, June 6, 2025, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura firmly denied claims that his office has a budget of Sh36 billion, dismissing the assertion made by Gichengo during a recent TV interview.
"My office does not have a budget of Sh36 billion. Diana Gichengo and her associates have issued a halfhearted clarification after making a misguided statement," Mwaura said.
During the interview, Gichengo alleged that the Government Spokesperson’s office was allocated Sh36 billion for this financial year’s operations, a figure Mwaura strongly refuted.
Gichengo argued, "The allocations are divided among the Office of the President, Deputy President, State House, the Government Spokesperson’s office, and the State Cooperation Advisory Committee. Last year, the spokesperson’s subsistence and travel budget stood at Sh19.2 billion."
"This year, despite tighter budgets, the spokesperson’s travel needs have increased, pushing the budget to Sh36 billion, he added.
Mwaura rejected these claims, emphasizing that they misrepresent the actual budget and urged responsible reporting to avoid misleading the public.
He urged Diana Gichengo to stop spreading false information and focus on offering constructive criticism instead of sensationalizing issues.
He also addressed claims about funding for presidential advisors, dismissing allegations that the Presidential Advisor’s office received Sh24 billion as "a very big lie."
"Suggesting that the President’s advisors have been allocated Sh24 billion is untrue. Such falsehoods mislead Kenyans and are unpatriotic," Mwaura said.
He condemned the use of misinformation to incite public unrest and deceive foreign donors, stressing the need for transparency and accountability in government spending.
"If you wish to comment on the Finance Bill, do so responsibly without spreading lies or misleading the public," he added.
Mwaura reaffirmed his office’s commitment to transparency and serving the best interests of Kenyans.
