Speaking on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the United Alternative Government rally in Tharaka Nithi County, Muturi questioned the logic of spending billions while citizens face economic hardships.
“It cannot be that the Kenyan government, the State House of Kenya, spends Ksh17 billion in a single year, whereas the White House in Washington, America, which we go to beg from, spends Ksh12.6 billion.
That is embarrassing. Here we are spending so much of taxpayers’ money, yet we still have to beg while the citizens suffer,” he stated.
Muturi highlighted that while the government continues to promote austerity measures, the State House budget for the current financial year has nearly doubled.
The increase comes after mid-year supplementary allocations, made under an emergency clause that allows spending without parliamentary approval.
According to the new figures, the State House budget now stands at Ksh16.998 billion, an amount that many critics argue is excessive for administrative operations.
Speaking to the crowd, Muturi expressed disappointment that taxpayer money is being used to fund luxurious offices, events, and other non-essential expenses while many households struggle to make ends meet.
He stressed that leaders must lead by example, especially when asking citizens to tighten their belts during tough economic times.
“People are struggling to pay school fees, buy food, and meet basic medical needs.
How can the government ask Kenyans to tighten their belts when the highest office in the land is spending like there is no tomorrow?” Muturi asked.
He also warned that such spending could damage public trust in the government, emphasizing that citizens are watching how their taxes are being used.
Muturi said that transparency and accountability should be at the heart of public spending, particularly in offices funded entirely by taxpayers’ money.
Political analysts say Muturi’s remarks echo widespread concerns about fiscal discipline and the growing perception of inequality in public spending.
The issue has sparked debates on whether emergency provisions that allow supplementary allocations without parliamentary oversight should be reviewed.
Muturi concluded by urging the government to prioritize ordinary citizens’ welfare, invest in essential services, and ensure that funds are spent responsibly. “Leadership is about sacrifice and service, not excessive indulgence.
If the government cannot manage resources wisely, then how can it expect citizens to endure hardships willingly?” he said.