Ruto and Uhuru Hold Talks on Retirement Package Dispute
President William Ruto met with former President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday, June 11, to discuss issues surrounding the latter’s retirement package.
The meeting, as communicated by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, aimed to resolve ongoing disagreements between their respective offices.
Consequently, Ruto established a team chaired by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei to address the concerns raised by Uhuru, with a focus on the location of his retirement office.
In response to the discussion, a statement indicated, “This morning, President William Ruto had a conversation with his predecessor in office, the 4th President, President Uhuru Kenyatta, regarding concerns about facilitating the functioning of the retired President’s office. President Ruto has consequently constituted a team, led by the Head of Public Service, to immediately address all the issues raised, including the location of the retired President’s office and the attendant staff establishment.”
The meeting between Ruto and Uhuru occurred following the Office of the 4th President’s rejection of the government’s assertions regarding the benefits provided to Uhuru.
Uhuru’s office stated that the government had not fulfilled its obligations under the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act, including the provision of a retirement office.
Additionally, it was revealed that the office had been without funding for months, leading to some employees, such as spokesperson Kanze Dena, going unpaid for two years.
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“Before retirement and during his retirement, the former president has been sought to undertake various international roles, especially within the region in his capacity as a former Head of State, and among them was his appointment as a peace facilitator by EAC heads of State during the 22nd ordinary meeting of EAC Summit on July 22, 2022, in Arusha.
“With no response from the State House and a lack of commitment to finalise the issue of the office space, the former President identified a suitable office space and went ahead to fully furnish and equip it from his pocket,” Uhuru’s office stated.
On the other hand, the government explained why it had yet to furnish the office of Uhuru, citing a conflict of interest.
Uhuru had opted to use his private residence near State House as his official office. However, the government alleged that Uhuru’s move was contrary to the laws of the land.
“In 2012/2013, the government purchased an office of the retired President. This office is located in Nyari, Nairobi. This is the office the late President Mwai Kibaki used for nine years, between 2013 and 2022. It is, therefore, a suitable office for any retired President.
“By rejecting this office and preferring that the government leases his own private home, the Third Retired President is inviting the government to violate procurement laws, regulations and procedures,” Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura responded.
Ruto and Uhuru Hold Talks on Retirement Package Dispute