Uhuru Kenyatta’s Political Stand Jeopardizes Millions: The High Stakes of Refusing Retirement
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta announced on Monday that he will remain active in politics and will not soon hang up his political boots.
During a Jubilee party National Delegates Conference (NDC) at the Ngong Racecourse, the former president stated in a fiery manner that he was prepared to retire from active politics after handing over power to President William Ruto until he was intimidated by unnamed individuals.
“I desired to put politics aside and deal with other matters. Others, however, have determined that their job is to coerce and intimidate. Today, I want to tell you that you cannot treat Uhuru Kenyatta in that manner. Let them look elsewhere,” he advised the delegates.
Section 6 of the 2013 Presidential Retirement Benefits Act prohibits a former president from holding office in a political party for more than six months after leaving office.
Contrary to the aforementioned rule, Mr. Kenyatta continues to lead the Jubilee party eight months after leaving office in September 2022.
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As a result, the former prime minister may be denied the retirement package to which he is entitled, as he has violated the act’s guidelines.
Section 4b (ii) of the act stipulates that a former president who held office in or actively participated in the activities of a political party is ineligible for all or any portion of the benefits.
Kenyatta now runs the risk of losing approximately Ksh.34.56 million as part of his retirement send-off package, the equivalent of one year’s salary for each term he served as President. He served as the nation’s leader for ten years.
The package entitles President Kenyatta to a monthly pension of Ksh.1.15 million.
This began on September 13, when he transferred the instruments of power to President William Ruto.
In addition to the aforementioned benefits, President Kenyatta is eligible for a Ksh.216,563 fuel allowance. Every three years, he received two replacement four-wheel-drive vehicles of his choosing.
Each vehicle must have a minimum engine displacement of 3000cc and a maximum engine displacement of 4000cc.
A monthly house allowance of Ksh.332,062 and a monthly entertainment allowance of Ksh.216,562 are also payable to him.
In addition, he received an additional Ksh 332,062 to cover his monthly electric, telephone, and water bills.
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Two personal assistants, four secretaries, four messengers, four drivers, and adequate security at his urban and rural residences, as periodically certified by the Minister of National Security, were provided to the former president at his residence.
In addition, he received cooks, maids, gardeners, laundry personnel, and house cleaners.
In the meantime, several court motions have been filed to overturn the law prohibiting former presidents from engaging in politics.
Peter Agoro, Paul Kiguathii, and Damon Osawa filed a petition with the Milimani Constitutional Division on May 4, 2023, asking the court to declare section 6 of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act unconstitutional.
As cited by The Star, they argue that the law is discriminatory and violates an individual’s right to make political decisions.
Gabriel Kagombe, a representative for Gatundu South, has filed a motion to have UUhuru’s pensions revoked because he violated the law by continuing to engage in politics after leaving office.
Since leaving office, he demanded that Uhuru return all the money he has received.
He also demands that Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka return the money they have received since leaving their respective positions as prime minister and vice president.
“The Presidential Retirement Benefits Act, 2003, and the Retirement Benefits (Deputy President and Designated Officers) Act, 2015 provide for the granting of pensions and other retirement benefits to holders of the offices of the President, Deputy President, Prime Minister, Vice-President, Speaker, Chief Justice, and Deputy Chief Justice when they cease to hold office,” he said, as quoted by the Standard.
Uhuru Kenyatta’s Political Stand Jeopardizes Millions: The High Stakes of Refusing Retirement
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