Cherargei Pushes Review Of Uhuru's Benefits Over 'Political Role'

By Staff Writer

Parliament is weighing the withdrawal or reduction of former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s retirement benefits and a comprehensive audit of public resources allocated to him, following allegations that his recent political activities may breach conditions tied to taxpayer-funded entitlements.

A Senate motion sponsored by Nandi Senator Kiprotich Cherargei, seeks to review privileges granted under the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act, raising concerns about legality, accountability, and compliance with the non-partisan obligations expected of retired heads of state.

The Senator argued that benefits accorded to former presidents are financed by public funds and are intended to safeguard national unity, institutional dignity, and political neutrality after leaving office.

The lawmaker stated that any deviation from these principles raises serious questions about the prudent use of public resources and undermines the rationale for continued state support to retired leaders.

“Retirement benefits accorded to former Presidents are funded from public resources and are intended to uphold national unity, institutional respect, and non-partisanship,” the motion states, outlining the foundational principles behind the law.

The motion cites Section 4 of the Act, which empowers Parliament, through a two-thirds majority, to reduce or withdraw benefits where a retired president engages in conduct inconsistent with statutory provisions.

It also references Section 6, which limits former presidents from active participation in partisan politics beyond a prescribed period, instead assigning them a neutral advisory and consultative role for national interest.

The Senate document lists alleged activities by Kenyatta since leaving office, including attending and addressing political rallies, issuing statements perceived as endorsing or opposing political actors, and engaging in political consultations and mobilization linked to ongoing contests across the country.

According to the motion, if established, such conduct could amount to active political engagement contrary to both the spirit and letter of the law, thereby weakening justification for continued enjoyment of publicly funded retirement benefits.

“There is a need to ensure strict compliance with the law governing retired Presidents and to uphold the integrity of public expenditure, transparency, and accountability in the allocation and utilization of state resources,” the motion adds.

If approved, the resolution would direct the Office of the Auditor General, in collaboration with relevant state agencies, to undertake a comprehensive audit of all public resources allocated to the former president and submit a report to Parliament within sixty days.

The motion further proposes that any funds recovered from benefits previously accorded be redirected to serve public interest, while also recommending possible revocation, variation, or reallocation of budgetary provisions tied to the former president’s entitlements, subject to legal approval.