Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has moved to the Senate seeking to stop or significantly reduce retirement benefits allocated to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, in a proposal that is likely to spark fresh political debate.
Cherargei wants Parliament to review, revoke or reallocate funds tied to the former Head of State’s retirement package in a motion tabled on Monday
The lawmaker is also pushing for a comprehensive audit of all public resources allocated to Kenyatta since he left office in 2022, with the report to be submitted within 60 days.
Part of the proposal states that any funds recovered from the benefits should be redirected to public welfare programmes.
“This House recommends that any funds recovered… be redirected to serve the interests and welfare of the people of Kenya,” the motion reads in part.
Cherargei argues that retirement benefits under the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act are conditional, particularly on a former president maintaining political neutrality.
However, he claims Kenyatta has remained actively involved in politics, citing recent public statements and his endorsement of former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i for the presidency.
According to the senator, such actions could amount to a breach of the law governing retired presidents, opening the door for Parliament to withdraw or reduce state-funded privileges.
The Presidential Retirement Benefits Act provides perks to former presidents, including security, staff, office support and allowances ,all funded by taxpayers.
But the same law expects retired presidents to remain non-partisan and serve as neutral statesmen.