Uhuru Questions Ruto Over Denied Retirement Benefits, Says He Fuels His Cars

In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…

• Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta challenges President William Ruto over withheld retirement benefits, citing lack of budgetary allocations, outdated vehicles, and unresolved office space issues.
• Kenyatta’s spokesperson, Kanze Dena, reveals that despite some allowances being provided, significant benefits remain unpaid, including budget allocations, vehicle replacements, and fuel expenses, prompting Kenyatta to protest against the government’s actions.

On Monday, retired President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a direct challenge to President William Ruto over the retirement benefits that have yet to be provided to his office. 

Speaking to the press, Kenyatta’s spokesperson, Kanze Dena, revealed that despite Kenyatta receiving his monthly allowances, medical cover, and a gratuity of Ksh.48 million, many other benefits have been withheld. 

Dena emphasized that budgetary allocations for Kenyatta’s office have been deliberately restricted.

In the 2022/2023 fiscal year, parliament allocated Ksh.655 million to Kenyatta’s office. However, only Ksh.28 million has been spent, covering domestic travel allowances and two official trips. 

This amounts to just 4.4% of the total budget, excluding salaries and medical insurance, with no other expenses accounted for. 

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For 2023/2024, none of the expected Ksh.503 million has been provided, leaving approximately Ksh.1 billion pending.

Dena highlighted the lack of a fully furnished and maintained office space for Kenyatta, an issue that remains unresolved. 

The Nyari office, deemed suitable by the late President Mwai Kibaki, continues to operate on Kenyatta’s goodwill while awaiting action from State House.

Additionally, the vehicles allocated to Kenyatta for personal use, including two Toyota Land Cruisers, a Mercedes Benz, and a Range Rover, were old, contrary to the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act. 

The Act stipulates that a retired president is entitled to two new vehicles, replaceable every three years, with engine capacities not exceeding 3,000 CC, as well as two four-wheel motor vehicles, also replaceable every three years, with engine capacities between 3,000-4,000 CC. 

Currently, four Toyota Prados are in use: three by Kenyatta’s security detail and one by the office, along with a Subaru Forester.

Dena also noted that Kenyatta has been paying for his fuel since government-issued fuel cards were canceled in March 2023. 

Furthermore, Kenyatta’s foreign trips have not been facilitated, despite his attendance at the African Union-led peace process in Ethiopia and the 11th summit of the East African Community (EAC) in Burundi.

Dena’s statements were in response to claims by State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed and Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura that the government has shown goodwill towards Kenyatta’s office and that he has been fully enjoying his perks.