President William Ruto’s allies have warned that former President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, risks losing his presidential retirement benefits due to his current political involvement.
According to some members of Parliament and leaders affiliated with the Kenya Kwanza administration, the former president is engaging in active politics, which they say warrants revocation of his retirement benefits under the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act.
The allegations of the alleged active involvement in the politics follow Uhuru’s public backing of former cabinet secretary Fred Matiang’i ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Politicians allied with the current government under President William Ruto have warned that the former president’s failure to withdraw from active politics will not be tolerated.
In addition, the leaders warned that they will present a motion in the parliament to stop all the financial benefits that the former president is currently receiving.
Aaron Cheruiyot, the Majority Leader in the Senate, noted that the former president should behave like a retired president to earn respect, or else he would face action.
“If you behave yourself like a retired president, people will respect you. But if you misbehave, people will deal with you like it is supposed to be dealt with. Because there is no way a retired president can be doing the things you are doing and expect that the people of Kenya will respect you,” Cheruiyot stated.
Others argued that the former president should steer clear of any political involvement and live accordingly, like a retired president is expected to.
Citing former President Mwai Kibaki’s conduct, the political leaders emphasized that after Uhuru’s 10 years serving in the government, he should not meddle in the current government affairs and politics, just like Kibaki had no involvement after retirement.
The Kenya Kwanza leaders added that the former president was in no position to deliver any political addresses in the country or offer democratic advice.
Further, the leaders who were speaking during an empowerment program for quarry casual laborers in Kericho County alleged that the former president went against the court ruling allowing Miguna Miguna to leave the country despite a court order that he remain in Kenya.
Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programs, Geoffrey Ruku, addressing the public during a peace tournament, also criticized the former president, noting that Uhuru is interfering with ongoing politics in the country.
Also Read: Uhuru Refuses to Retire, Reveals His 2027 Preferred Candidates
Uhuru Kenyatta’s Political Stance
The threats came a day after Uhuru’s public declaration in support of the former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as a preferred leader ahead of the 2027 General Election. He clarified that he would not retire from his public life.
“I see Matiang’i as a strong and resilient leader. He may be new to politics, but he is a highly effective worker,” Uhuru said.
He insisted that his retirement from the office did not limit him from participating in politics.
Additionally, he called out those who opposed his involvement in politics, describing the threats as selective attacks on his address to the nation on national matters.
“Nowadays, when I speak on a few issues, I’m told I’m retired and should step aside. Why wasn’t Moi told to step aside as well?” Uhuru questioned the selectiveness in political matters.
He, however, clarified that, despite being an active member of the Jubilee Party, he had no interest in seeking elective office and would continue campaigning for the party, as it was within his rights.
Also Read: Nzioka Waita: Former Uhuru Kenyatta Chief of Staff Joining Ruto’s Circle
Retired Presidents Retirement Benefits
Under the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act, as amended in 2023, a retired Kenyan president gets a monthly pension equal to 80% of the current presidential salary.
In addition, the retired president receives a lump-sum payment of one year’s salary per term served, as well as a housing allowance, staff vehicles, medical cover, and travel benefits.
However, under section six of the Act, the retired president should not hold office in any political party for more than six months after exiting office.
An annual benefit package of approximately KSh. 600 million, including operational costs, is also awarded to a retired president according to the law.
