Saturday's decision by Central Bank of Kenya Governor Patrick Njoroge to announce plans to phase out current Sh1,000 notes could elicit political debate, with some politicians already questioning it.
Mr Njoroge, although he linked the directive to increased cases of fake currency, sources claim that the plan was a wider plot to stop money laundering and fraud.
“To deal conclusively with these concerns, the older Sh1,000 series shall be withdrawn. By a Gazette Notice dated May 31, 2019, all persons have until October 1, 2019, to exchange those notes, after which the older Sh1,000 will cease to be legal tender," he said as quoted by the Nation.
Deputy President William Ruto's camp however, believes that the directive could have been given due to their huge cash donated to various churches and institutions.
Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen, on his Twitter account, sarcastically claimed that the move will compel cartels to return the money hidden at their mattresses.
"It’s been widely reported that someone is keeping my 200M in some mattress inside some house in Komorock in KShs 1000 notes. Now you know the dateline for its validly is October 1. Return my money forthwith and without any further delay. Lubbish ," he tweeted.
Dr Ruto's source of money has been a bone of contention but on Friday at Nyamira, he defiantly insisted that he will continue helping churches and schools.
While some politicians have raised eyebrows following the directive, US and UK have backed the decision, arguing that it will help in the fight against corruption
"This announcement on the 1,000 bob note is great news. Anyone who has been stashing proceeds of corruption in cash, to avoid oversight, will have to explain where their wealth came from. Welcome @StateHouseKenya tough stand on corruption," tweeted UK High Commissioner Nic Hailey.
"I agree with HC Nic Hailey. Great news. One more tool that can be used to stop the plague of thievery keeping the wananchi from the prosperity they deserve. #StopTheseThieves," added Ambassador Kyle McCarter.