Members of Parliament (MPs) have summoned State House representatives to give answers on why former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s office has been operating without funding.
This move comes after the office claimed that it had been deprived of funds for the last two years, contrary to the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act.
The Implementation Committee Chair Raphael Wanjala, in a statement on June 11 said that they are instructing their clerks to write to the State House Comptroller seeking answers.
“We are instructing our clerks to write to the State House Comptroller to come and appear to the committee on why the former president’s office is not receiving its perks,” said Raphael Wanjala.
Additionally, he said that the committee noted with concern the remarks made by the former president’s spokesperson, Kanze Dena that indicated retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has been funding his own official office.
“We are not going to allow that to happen yet we appropriate money as Parliament,” said Wanjala.
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The committee, however, did not specify the exact dates when the State House Controller Katoo Ole Metito is to appear before Parliament.
They did, however, emphasize the necessity of State House officials to appear before them so as to ensure the allocated funds are duly made available for the retired president.
Government Refutes Uhuru’s Claims
The government has distanced itself from claims that the Office of Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta was denied a budget for two consecutive years.
In a statement, made on June 10 Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the state has been paying the salaries of the retired President diligently including his staff and their allowances.
“The retired President’s budget is under the State House Comptroller, who is the accounting officer of the State House, including the Office of the Retired President,” read the statement in part.
“The Comptroller originates the budget and defends it in Parliament. There was therefore no compelling obligation to seek concurrence on the budget with the Office of the Retired President.”
He further said that State House also maintains and fuels the 14 vehicles accorded to Uhuru, and facilitates all his travels, both local and international.
Isaac Mwaura Clarifies on Office Space Allegations
Additionally, Mwaura also said that in the financial year 2012/2013, the government had purchased an office space for him, located in Nyari, Nairobi.
He noted that the said office had been used by late President Mwai Kibaki for a period of 9 nine years, between 2013 and 2022.
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“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.”
“The Third Retired President wants to be both a landlord and a tenant at the same time. It is an adventure that the government cannot engage in as this is a serious conflict of interest,” said Mwaura.
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