Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has tabled a motion targeting the Fourth President Uhuru Kenyatta’s state-funded benefits, over the former President’s alleged involvement in National politics.
According to the Nandi Senator, the former Head of State has been flouting the law governing retired presidents, and his partisan involvement in national politics violates the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act.
“THAT, AWARE THAT, the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act provides for the granting of pension and other retirement benefits to former holders of the office of President upon ceasing to hold office, with the intention of safeguarding the dignity of the office and ensuring that retired Presidents remain non-partisan and available for national advisory roles,” Cherargei stated.
“COGNIZANT THAT, section 6 of the Act restricts a retired President from active engagement in political party activities beyond the prescribed period and envisages a neutral, consultative, and advisory role for the benefit of the nation”, the motion highlighted.
The motion called on the Senate to withdraw or reduce all retirement benefits and allowances currently enjoyed by Kenya’s fourth president under the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act.
Cherargei questioned whether taxpayers should keep funding a retired president who, according to the motion, has been actively engaged in partisan politics beyond what the law allows.
The motion further stated that since leaving office, the former President has been publicly reported and widely documented to have actively participated in partisan political processes, including attending and addressing political rallies and meetings aligned with specific political formations.
The motion called on the Office of the Auditor-General, working alongside relevant state agencies, to conduct a comprehensive audit of all public resources allocated to Uhuru under the Act.
Additionally, if the motion passes, the audit must be completed and a full report submitted to the Senate within 60 days.
Should any funds be recovered following the audit, the motion recommends they be redirected toward the welfare of ordinary Kenyans, rather than channelled back into general government accounts without a clear, people-centred purpose.
