Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has dismissed claims that his office was allocated Ksh.36 billion in the 2025/26 budget, citing that such allegations are misleading and inaccurate. 

Mwaura responded to remarks made by Diana Gichengo, Executive Director at The Institute for Social Accountability (TISA), who questioned the government's claims of implementing austerity measures while telling Kenyans to tighten their belts. 

"They claim the Office of the President’s budget dropped from about Ksh.100 billion to Ksh.5.5 billion, but here’s the trick: it’s been sliced and diced into Office of the President, Deputy President, Office of the Spokesperson and the State Corporation Advisory Committee," Gichengo said in an interview on Spice FM. 

"Last year, the Government Spokesperson, who's under the Presidency, had a travel & subsistence budget of Ksh.19.2 billion. This year, they decided the budget is really tight so the spokesperson needs to travel more.  It’s ballooned to Ksh. 36 billion," she added. 

In a rejoinder, Mwaura disregarded Gichengo's allegations, claiming that his office barely receives Ksh.100 million. In a blunt response, Mwaura accused Gichengo of misinforming Kenyans to position herself for financial support from global organisations. 

"Diana Gichengo, I have a bone to chew with you. How do you on Spice FM and lie to Kenyans that my office gets Ksh.36 billion. How do you tell Kenyans that the advisors of the president get Ksh.24 billion, that's a lie," he said. 

"The budget of my office is not even Ksh.100 million, but because you're posturing for dollars and want to be sensational and that's why I asked for a right of reply and they didn't give me." 

He pointed out that the government would not allow the country to descend into chaos by scrutinising anyone who peddles misinformation about the State on social media.

He also appealed to Kenyans to submit their views on the Finance Bill 2025 to the right channels for every voice to be heard.

However, the National Assembly's Departmental Committee on Finance and Planning has already closed the public participation window on May 27, 2025. 

"Let's be careful not to incite Kenyans because we want to create another Finance Bill moment. This time round, we will not allow our country to go down the drain," Mwaura intimated. 

Anyone found to incite or disinform Kenyans, the government will not allow. If you have issues, we have public participations, present your views and they will be considered before the floor of the House."