As Uhuru has made it clearest that he will not step down from his roles as chairman of Azimio and leader of the Jubilee party, it is anticipated that this will become a new front in the conflict between Ruto’s allies and the opposition.
His close allies say he will defy a legal provision that requires a retired President to exit active politics as Ruto’s camp softens their earlier hardline stance.
13, March marked exactly six months since retired president Uhuru Kenyatta left office after successfully completing his two constitutional term limits.
Registrar of Political Parties Anne Nderitu in speaking to the Nation said that her office has not received any communication from the former Head of State in regard to his roles in both Jubilee and Azimio.
“We have not received any communication, maybe you can ask the party,” Ms. Nderitu said.
According to Section 6 (1) of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act, 2003, a retired president “shall not hold office in any political party for more than six months after ceasing to hold office”.
Uhuru Kenyatta is currently the Jubilee Party leader, as well as the Raila Odinga-led Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Council chairman, which puts him at the top decision-making organ of the opposition outfit.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei previously said he will petition the National Treasury to stop the retirement perks if Uhuru continues to hold the position.“Under the Retirement Benefits Act, he must be retired.
“But from the talk of Uhuru Kenyatta, he is still active in politics,” Cherargei said.
Uhuru has been allocated a handsome reward of Sh655 million in pension perks.
The Act also provides that the National Assembly may initiate a motion to block a retired president from accessing his retirement benefits on grounds of active involvement in politics.
Among the benefits, he is set to enjoy include Sh140 million for the purchase of vehicles and other transport equipment, Sh120 million for foreign travel and a daily subsistence allowance while out of the country, and Sh42 million for local travel expenses.
Other allocations include fuel and lubricants at Sh30 million, printing and advertising expenses KSh5 million, office furniture and general equipment KSh50 million, office supplies KSh6 million and Sh55 million for hospitality expenses.
Another Sh75 million has been set aside for his employees’ wages and personal allowances.
As per the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act, 2003, Uhuru is entitled to two 3,000cc engine capacity cars and two 3,400cc four-wheel drive — all replaceable every three years.
Meanwhile, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah yesterday told the Sunday Nation that the Kenya Kwanza will not engage in what he described as ‘political pettiness’ by denying the former Head of State his retirement benefits for failing to resign as Jubilee Party leader as well as chairman of Azimio council.
“Kenya Kwanza administration will not engage in the political pettiness of the last regime. We shall respect our former President and focus on the economy. Getting the economy back on its feet to work for the majority of Kenyans is our primary focus,” said Ichung’wah. Another Jubilee Party official revealed that Ruto had assured them no one will touch his predecessor’s benefits.
“He told us that in the next two months, he would release funds for Uhuru’s retirement kitty. He promised that no one will interfere with those benefits and he wants Uhuru to accept that he is now the President of the Republic of Kenya,” the official said.
