The Kenyan government has responded to former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s allegations about inadequate support for his retirement benefits. Kenyatta, through his spokesperson Kanze Dena, claimed that his office has been deprived of its rightful budgetary allocations, forcing him to cover expenses that should be state-funded.
Government’s Position
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura addressed these claims, asserting that Kenyatta’s office has been provided with 14 vehicles, which the State House fuels and maintains. He refuted the claim that their fuel cards had been blocked, stating that the vehicles were fuelled as recently as May 15, 2024. Mwaura provided records indicating the regular maintenance and servicing of these vehicles, bought between 2020 and 2022, which he argued are befitting for a retired president.
Specific Claims and Responses
- Vehicles and Fueling: Mwaura countered the claim about outdated vehicles by noting that Kenyatta’s office had requested four additional vehicles worth Ksh.140 million. Dena had mentioned that Kenyatta fuels his cars due to the alleged blocking of fuel cards since March 2023, which Mwaura denied.
- Office Facilities: Kenyatta’s office criticized the provided office space, preferring a leased private home. Mwaura argued that the office in Nairobi’s Nyari estate, used by the late President Mwai Kibaki, is suitable. He suggested that leasing Kenyatta’s private home would be a conflict of interest and violate procurement laws.
- Office Staff and Travel: Mwaura stated that the names of George Kariuki and Kanze Dena had not been forwarded for processing by the State House Controller. He affirmed that the government pays salaries, staff allowances, fuels vehicles, and facilitates Kenyatta’s travel. According to Mwaura, the Act stipulates funding for only four foreign trips per year, each for up to 14 days, adhering to Public Service Commission and National Treasury regulations.
Kenyatta’s Office Expenditure
Dena disclosed that of the Ksh.655 million allocated for 2022/2023, only Ksh.28 million had been spent on domestic travel allowances and two official trips. She highlighted that this is merely 4.4% of the total budget, excluding salaries and medical insurance, implying that most allocated funds remain unspent and unaccounted for.
Government’s Commitment
Mwaura reiterated the government’s dedication to fulfilling its obligations under the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act. He maintained that Ruto’s administration has consistently provided for Kenyatta’s needs, including staff salaries, vehicle fueling, and travel facilitation, and rejected claims of neglect or budgetary inadequacies.
This exchange underscores ongoing tensions and differing perspectives on the adequacy of support for Kenya’s retired presidents, reflecting broader political dynamics and administrative challenges within the country.
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