State House Addresses Alleged Funds Denial to Uhuru’s Office
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed pushed back on Sunday against accusations that the Kenya Kwanza administration consistently neglected to allocate a budget for former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Office, despite parliamentary approval on multiple occasions.
During a press briefing, Hussein addressed the issue, affirming that the government had already provided an office, previously utilized by Kenya’s second President, Mwai Kibaki, which Uhuru could utilize at his discretion.
Hussein clarified that the office in question remained unoccupied, with Uhuru having the freedom to request its use whenever convenient for him.
“There exists an office complex in Nyari that was utilized by a previous president, the late President Mwai Kibaki, who occupied it for nine years.”
“It’s common knowledge that the office is available, vacant, and President Uhuru Kenyatta can utilize it as he sees fit,” Hussein asserted.
Unverified reports from the media suggested that the Kenya Kwanza administration had withheld funding for the Office of the Fourth President for the past twenty months, despite approval from Members of Parliament (MPs).
These reports claimed that the expected disbursement of Ksh1 billion had been refused, compelling Uhuru Kenyatta to cover his expenses, including domestic and international travel, from his funds.
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In response, the Spokesperson emphasized that established channels and frameworks existed for the Former President to access the allocated funds.
“As for budgetary matters, there are official channels and mechanisms in place for accessing budget and provisions in the Office of the Fourth President, all of which have been made available for any official engagements,” elaborated Hussein Mohamed.
Previously, the Nation had reported that Uhuru had declined the Nyari office and expressed a preference for using his residence near State House, Nairobi.
According to the report, the retired president aimed to convert his private Caledonia Residence into his official office and have the State cover his rent, a request that was turned down.
Under Kenyan law, a retired President is entitled to an office and permanent staff, who are considered public officers compensated according to the terms set by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), along with retirement benefits and insurance coverage, among other privileges.
State House Addresses Alleged Funds Denial to Uhuru’s Office