Outspoken lawyer Ndegwa Njiru has raised a red flag over the withdrawal of KES 43.5 billion from the National Treasury’s emergency fund, questioning why citizens in North Eastern Kenya are still starving if such colossal sums have been released.

The withdrawal, ostensibly for drought mitigation and El Niño response, has not translated into visible relief on the ground. Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa are currently facing acute food shortages, with livestock dying in droves. Njiru’s allegations point to a potential mega-scandal in the making.

Where is the Money?

"The Controller of Budget authorized the release, but the silos in Wajir are empty," Njiru claimed. He demanded a detailed expenditure report from the Treasury CS.

• The Reality: Humanitarian agencies report that malnutrition rates in the ASAL counties are critical. The disconnect between Nairobi’s paperwork and the dusty reality of the North is glaring.
• Oversight Gap: Emergency funds are often prone to misuse because they can be spent without prior parliamentary approval (Article 223). Accountability usually comes months later, long after the money—and the food—should have reached the needy.
• Political Weapon: The opposition is likely to latch onto this as proof of government incompetence. "You cannot eat a budget circular," one MP noted.

A Plea for Life

While politicians argue over figures, the people of the North are fighting for survival. The government must urgently clarify how the KES 43.5 billion was spent. If it was stolen, it is not just theft; it is manslaughter.