Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has dismissed recent claims regarding the budget allocated to his office, warning against misinformation and incitement amid ongoing public discourse around the Finance Bill 2025.
Speaking in Nairobi on Saturday evening, Mwaura refuted allegations made by Diana Gichengo, the National Coordinator at the Institute for Social Accountability (TISA), who had claimed that the Office of the Government Spokesperson receives Ksh.36 billion annually. Mwaura categorically denied the figure, stating that the actual budget of his office does not exceed Ksh.100 million.
“These claims are not only exaggerated but are meant to mislead the public and incite anger against government institutions,” Mwaura said. “It is unfortunate that certain individuals are weaponizing falsehoods to malign the State and stir public unrest, especially on social media platforms.”
In recent weeks, the proposed Finance Bill 2025 has stirred debate across the country, echoing last year’s massive public outcry against tax hikes and increased government spending. Mwaura emphasized that the government is keen to avoid a repeat of the 2024 protests that were largely mobilized online.
He urged Kenyans to submit their opinions on the Finance Bill 2025 through official platforms such as the National Treasury’s website and through Parliament’s public participation forums. “Constructive engagement is the cornerstone of democracy. The government values citizen input but will not tolerate efforts to incite or mislead the public through unofficial channels,” Mwaura said.
He further noted that security agencies will monitor individuals using social media to spread disinformation, hinting at possible legal consequences for those who incite the public.
Mwaura’s comments come at a time when transparency and accountability remain top concerns for many Kenyans. As Parliament prepares to deliberate on the Finance Bill, the government is under increasing pressure to demonstrate fiscal prudence while maintaining open and honest communication with the public.
The spokesperson reiterated the State’s commitment to public engagement but maintained that it must be done within the law and through recognized processes.
