Jubilee deputy party leader Fred Matiang'i has defended the retirement benefits of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, insisting they are anchored in law and should not be subject to political contestation.
Speaking during a press conference on Monday, Matiang’i said the Constitution clearly outlines what a retired president is entitled to and how they should be treated, warning against attempts to undermine those provisions.
His remarks come in response to a motion by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei seeking to stop or reduce retirement benefits for Uhuru.
“The Constitution says what he should get and how he should be treated,” Matiang’i said.
He described Uhuru as restrained despite concerns over some of the benefits, suggesting the former Head of State has chosen not to publicly contest the matter.
“The President has been receiving some of his benefits. He is a gentleman. There are some things that we do not want to play up, as someone who served at a senior level,” he said.
Matiang’i further argued that any failure to fully accord a retired president his entitlements raises broader questions about leadership and respect for constitutional offices.
“When the President cannot even be given basic benefits, he is a gentleman and does not want to focus on them. It is upon the conscience of those in leadership to respond to the question,” he added.
The debate over former presidents’ benefits has intensified following Cherargei’s proposal, setting the stage for a political and legal contest over the interpretation and possible review of retirement privileges for Kenya’s former heads of state.
Cherargei filed a motion in the Senate seeking to stop or reduce retirement benefits for Uhuru.
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 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.
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