Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has called for the full separation of the National Treasury from the Ministry of Finance.
Speaking on Spice FM on Tuesday, January 7, Omtatah argued that this move would help prevent the misappropriation of public funds. He explained that the misuse of Treasury funds by the Office of the President is a result of inadequate accountability measures.
“The main problem is the refusal to delink the Treasury from the Ministry of Finance,” Omtatah said. “If the Treasury were independent and professionally managed, it would only be accessible as the law dictates—through parliamentary appropriations and oversight by the Controller of Budget, not by the President.”
Omtatah emphasized that the theft of public funds has significantly impacted the country’s governance and development. He proposed that separating the Treasury from political influence would ensure that financial matters are handled by Parliament, with urgent needs addressed through supplementary budgets.
He also criticized instances where the President has allocated funds outside the approved budget, describing it as a dangerous practice that grants the presidency excessive control over taxpayers’ money.
“The presidency becomes imperial because of its free access to taxpayers’ money. That’s why we must split the Treasury from the Ministry of Finance.”
According to the renowned activist and lawmaker, such reforms would improve governance.
“Once politicians are denied unrestricted access to public funds, the country will stabilize, and institutions will function effectively,” Omtatah added.
