Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has filed a motion in the Senate seeking to stop or reduce retirement benefits for retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.
In the motion, Cherargei wants parliament to revoke, reallocate or vary the budget relating to the benefits of the former President.
".... the House recommends that any funds recovered from benefits previously accorded to the retired President shall be redirected to serve the interests and welfare of the people of Kenya," the motion states in part.
The move comes in the wake of sustained attacks on Uhuru by President William Ruto's allies over his political stance.
Speaking to Jubilee members via phone during an event in Narok, Uhuru endorsed former Minister Fred Matiangi for President, and hit out at some politicians he said were critical of his continued involvement in politics.
In the motion, Cherargei wants the Auditor General to audit all public resources allocated to Uhuru and submit a report to parliament within 60 days.
".... the House recommends the revocation, variation or reallocation of budgetary provisions relating to the benefits of the retired President, in line with the findings of the audit and subject to approval in accordance with the law," the motion reads. Uhuru Kenyatta.
The motion calls on lawmakers to review and potentially revoke the benefits granted under the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act.
Senator Cherargei argues that the benefits—funded by taxpayers—are contingent upon a retired president maintaining political neutrality, a condition he claims has been breached.
“Parliament resolves that the retirement benefits and allowances accruing to the retired President be withdrawn and/or reduced,” the motion states.
The vocal senator cited provisions in law that allow such action if a former president engages in partisan politics.
The lawmaker further requests that the Office of the Auditor-General conduct a comprehensive audit of all public resources allocated to Uhueu since his departure from office in 2022.
The audit, if approved, would be completed within 60 days and presented to Parliament to inform further action.
According to the motion, any funds recovered from benefits previously accorded to Kenyatta should be redirected “to serve the interests and welfare of the people of Kenya.”
The proposal is anchored on concerns that the former president has remained actively involved in political affairs, contrary to the expectations outlined in the law.
The Presidential Retirement Benefits Act envisions a retired president as a non-partisan figure who can offer advisory support to the nation, rather than engage in active political mobilisation.
Cherargei’s motion lists several instances in which Uhuru is alleged to have crossed this line.
They include attending and addressing political rallies, issuing statements perceived as endorsing or opposing political actors, and participating in political consultations linked to ongoing electoral contests.
“These actions, if established, amount to active engagement in political party activities contrary to the spirit and letter of the Act,” the motion reads in part.
The development comes against the backdrop of sustained criticism of Uhuru by leaders allied to President William Ruto, who have repeatedly accused the former president of undermining the government while still benefiting from state privileges.
Several politicians within the ruling coalition have warned that he risks losing his retirement perks if he does not withdraw from active politics.
“The law states that if a president retires and he fails to leave politics, the government, through the national assembly, has the power to remove the retirement benefits….. from next week we are removing that retirements benefits,” Cherargei said at an event on Sunday.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot echoed these sentiments, saying respect for a retired president is tied to adherence to the expectations of the office.
“If you behave yourself like a retired president, people will respect you. But if you misbehave, people will deal with you as it is supposed to be dealt with,” Cheruiyot said.
The latest push in Parliament follows recent remarks by Kenyatta that have stirred political debate.
Speaking via phone during a meeting of Jubilee Party members in Narok, the former president endorsed former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i for the presidency, describing him as a capable and resilient leader.
“I see Matiang’i as a strong and resilient leader. He may be new to politics, but he is a highly effective worker,” Kenyatta said, while also criticising leaders he accused of attempting to silence his political views.
Uhuru’s endorsement of Matiang’i has been interpreted by critics as evidence of his continued involvement in partisan politics, further fueling calls for action against his state-funded benefits.
However, the motion is likely to ignite legal and constitutional debate, particularly regarding the threshold required to prove that a retired president has violated the law.
The Presidential Retirement Benefits Act requires a two-thirds majority in Parliament to approve the reduction or withdrawal of benefits, setting a high bar for Cherargei’s proposal.
For now, all eyes will be on Parliament as it deliberates on the motion, which not only targets Kenyatta’s benefits but also raises broader questions about accountability, public expenditure, and the evolving role of retired leaders in Kenya’s democracy
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