NAIROBI, Kenya — Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has tabled a motion in the Senate seeking the review and possible withdrawal of retirement benefits granted to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, citing alleged involvement in partisan political activities.
The motion, dated May 4, 2026, invokes provisions of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act, which outlines conditions under which former Heads of State receive pensions and other state-funded privileges after leaving office.
Cherarkey argues that the law is intended to preserve the dignity of the presidency and ensure that retired leaders maintain a neutral, advisory role rather than active political engagement.
“Section 4 of the Act empowers Parliament… to deny or reduce such benefits where a retired President engages in conduct inconsistent with the provisions of the Act,” the motion states.
The senator claims that the former President has, since leaving office, participated in political rallies, issued public statements perceived as endorsing political actors, and engaged in mobilisation activities linked to ongoing political contests.
“Such actions, if established, amount to active engagement in political party activities contrary to the spirit and letter of the Act,” the motion reads.
Under Section 6 of the law, retired presidents are restricted from direct involvement in party politics beyond a specified transition period, with the expectation that they serve as non-partisan national figures.
The motion further calls for the Office of the Auditor-General to conduct a comprehensive audit of all public resources allocated to the former president under the Act and submit a report within 60 days.
It also proposes that Parliament consider revoking, varying, or reallocating budgetary provisions tied to Kenyatta’s benefits based on the audit findings.
Additionally, Cherarkey suggests that any funds recovered from the benefits be redirected toward public welfare programmes.
The move sets the stage for a potentially contentious debate in Parliament, touching on constitutional principles of political freedom, the scope of post-presidential conduct, and the oversight of public expenditure.
Legal experts note that while Parliament has authority under the Act, any decision to withdraw or reduce benefits would require a two-thirds majority, making the outcome dependent on broad political consensus.
The development comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 General Election, with former leaders increasingly visible in public discourse and political alignments.
