Paul Muite Breaks Silence With a Tough Message, Questions Sh1.3 Trillion Withdrawn From Treasury

Senior Counsel and former MP Paul Muite has issued a strong critique following revelations from the Auditor General regarding financial management at the Treasury.

In a post on X, Muite highlighted that Ksh 1.3 trillion withdrawn from the Treasury cannot be traced, attributing the statement to Auditor General Nancy Gathungu.

He described the amount as stolen and expressed frustration over the scale of the figure, noting that many Kenyans struggle to even grasp what a trillion represents. 

Muite lamented that if this sum had instead been directed toward critical sectors such as education, health services, and the creation of meaningful jobs, it could have transformed lives and addressed pressing national needs.

His comments reflect widespread public concern about accountability in public finances amid ongoing reports of irregularities.

The issue stems from a report indicating that between July 2024 and February 2025, national and county governments made manual withdrawals totaling Ksh 1.3 trillion from the exchequer.

These were primarily for debt servicing, pensions, and recurrent expenditures, often bypassing the automated Integrated Financial Management Information System designed for transparency.

The Controller of Budget flagged that many requisitions were submitted in lump sums without detailed breakdowns, complicating oversight.

The Auditor General has raised similar concerns in various audits about unaccounted funds, including in loans, bonds, and specific programs.

Muite's intervention adds to criticism from opposition figures and civil society, who argue such lapses point to systemic weaknesses in fiscal controls.

Treasury officials have previously denied irregularities, clarifying that withdrawals followed legal processes for essential payments, though they acknowledged challenges in full reconciliation.

The remarks come at a time of heightened scrutiny over public debt and expenditure, with calls for stronger mechanisms to ensure every shilling is accounted for.

Muite's message underscores demands for better stewardship of taxpayer resources to prioritize development over unexplained outflows.