Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has received political relief after a section of opposition and even pro-government Members of Parliament joined forces to oppose efforts aimed at reducing or withdrawing his retirement benefits over his continued involvement in politics.
The debate was sparked by a motion fronted by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, who proposed that the former Head of State’s benefits be reviewed or suspended, arguing that Uhuru should not continue receiving public funds while still active in partisan politics as Jubilee Party leader.
Cherargei maintained that retired presidents should remain politically neutral if they are to continue enjoying state-funded benefits, a position that has drawn sharp criticism from both political allies and constitutional experts.
However, the proposal has quickly run into resistance from across the political divide, with critics describing it as politically motivated and lacking legal foundation.
Belgut MP Nelson Koech, a close ally of President William Ruto, dismissed the push, saying it was unnecessary and unfair to target a former Head of State who is still protected under the Constitution.
The debate was sparked by a motion fronted by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, who proposed that the former Head of State’s benefits be reviewed or suspended, arguing that Uhuru should not continue receiving public funds while still active in partisan politics as Jubilee Party leader.
Cherargei maintained that retired presidents should remain politically neutral if they are to continue enjoying state-funded benefits, a position that has drawn sharp criticism from both political allies and constitutional experts.
However, the proposal has quickly run into resistance from across the political divide, with critics describing it as politically motivated and lacking legal foundation.
Belgut MP Nelson Koech, a close ally of President William Ruto, dismissed the push, saying it was unnecessary and unfair to target a former Head of State who is still protected under the Constitution.
In another story, read Hakuna bei yangu — Sifuna vows not to betray Kenyans for Ruto deal
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Politics