Kitui Central Member of Parliament (MP) Makali Mulu has strongly criticised the 2025/26 budget, describing it as one geared toward reelection but not favouring citizens’ welfare.

Mulu made the remarks during an interview with a local TV station on June 11, 2025, pointing to what he sees as misplaced priorities amid ongoing economic challenges.

“This is not a pro-mwananchi budget but rather an executive-centred one, designed less to address the needs of ordinary citizens and more to fund programs aimed at securing the government’s re-election; it is designed to secure the government’s re-election rather than address citizens’ needs,” Mulu stated.

His comments come as the government opted against imposing new taxes or raising existing ones, following widespread protests against previous tax hikes.

Despite the relief from new taxes, Mulu insists that the allocations in the budget do not sufficiently address the welfare of ordinary Kenyans.

“If the normal Kenyan has no money in their pockets, they are not able to buy goods and services. And if they can’t buy, then producers can’t sell. It’s a delicate balance,” he said.

Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury and Economic Planning John Mbadi is expected to deliver his first-ever national budget estimates on Thursday, June 12, 2025.

The CS will be making history as he reads his inaugural estimates as the man in charge of the country’s granary, following his appointment to the plum post last year.

The budget includes major allocations such as Ksh700.98 billion for education and a Ksh2.54 trillion allocation to the national government. However, Mulu questioned the effectiveness of these expenditures, arguing that funds have been redirected from critical areas.

“Funds cut from education and disability programs to boost the police budget,” he noted, claiming that the government is prioritising political goals over social services.

Mulu also raised concerns about transparency and efficiency in public spending, citing a recent Auditor General’s report.

“The country paid Ksh6.7 billion in commitment fees over the last three years for development loans that were never drawn,” he said, calling for greater scrutiny on the use of public funds.

His concerns reflect broader public sentiment, especially after the government dropped controversial tax proposals following violent protests earlier this year. Although the move not to introduce new taxes was welcomed, it has not quelled concerns about whether the budget’s focus is on re-election rather than long-term development.

Mulu challenged the logic behind re-election-driven spending. “Which law prohibits funding programs aimed at securing government re-election? Isn’t that the business of every government across the world?” he asked, highlighting the tension between political survival and serving citizens.

As Kenya grapples with these fiscal decisions, Mulu’s remarks fuel an ongoing debate about whether the 2025/26 budget truly prioritises ordinary Kenyans or the political ambitions of the executive. The coming months are likely to see continued scrutiny of these issues as citizens and lawmakers demand greater accountability in public spending.