Jubilee Party has come out to defend former President Uhuru Kenyatta against criticism from leaders aligned with the ruling party, UDA.
The party leaders raised concerns on the shocking statements from UDA leaders threatening to withdraw Uhuru’s retirement benefits.
“We are particularly concerned, and indeed alarmed by reckless statements from certain political actors threatening punitive action against the former President, including the suggestion that his retirement benefits could be withdrawn,” read a statement from the party.
The threats come after former President Uhuru criticized the government over failures to govern and lack of development.
In a letter signed by former Narok North MP Moitalel Ole Kenta, the party took issue with Ruto. The party accused him of attacking his predecessor as a way of securing a second term.
“Retirement benefits for former Presidents are not political favors to be granted or withdrawn at will. They are legal entitlements grounded in law, designed to preserve the dignity of the office and to ensure continuity and stability within our system of governance,” said Ole Kenta.
In a statement, Jubilee further defended Uhuru’s criticism of the government. They cited, “From the very first day this administration assumed office, it has sought to construct a political narrative anchored not in its own vision or delivery, but in the constant invocation of H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta as a point of blame, distraction, and deflection.”
The party said that the actual circumstances of Kenyans drove the former president’s remarks.
“The fixation on Uhuru Kenyatta must be understood. It is not about him. It is about the failure to confront present realities. Such statements are not only constitutionally untenable; they represent a dangerous erosion of the respect and dignity accorded to the Office of the President, both past and present,” read the statement.
The leaders from the ruling UDA party did not take Uhuru Kenyatta’s remarks on the President Ruto’s government lightly.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot warned of a plan to revoke Uhuru Kenyatta’s benefits. This was after Uhuru’s comments criticising the government.
“The late President Moi, when he retired in 2002, he went to his farm in Kabarak and never bothered to do the silly monkey games you are doing today. When Kibaki went on retirement, he respected the office that the people of Kenya had given him; he peacefully rested in his home,” said Cheruiyot.
Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes CS, Geoffrey Ruku, also called on Uhuru to grant President Ruto respect.
“When Uhuru was president, Ruto respected him fully as Head of State. His current posture does not reflect the same respect for the presidency. Why can’t he reciprocate?,” said Ruku.
Motion to withdraw Uhuru benefits
Notably, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has filed a motion to withdraw the benefits and allowances of Kenyatta.
In his motion, Cherargei argued that Kenyatta, since leaving office, has contravened regulations under the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act. He also argued that he had damaged the dignity of the office of the retired president.
He argued that Kenyatta has been actively engaging in partisan political processes contrary to section 6 of the Act. The section requires a retired President to only take a neutral and advisory role for the benefit of the nation.
He claimed that Kenyatta has been “issuing public statements perceived as endorsing or opposing political actors and parties, and engaging in consultative and mobilization activities associated with ongoing political contests and party positions across various parts of the country.”
His cited arguments, if established, undermine the rationale for the continued enjoyment of publicly funded retirement benefits, he stated.
He therefore noted that there is a need to ensure strict compliance with the law governing retired Presidents. He also noted the need to uphold the integrity of public expenditure. Additionally, he emphasized transparency and accountability in the allocation and utilization of state resources.
“This House recommends the revocation, variation, or reallocation of budgetary provisions relating to the benefits of the retired President, in line with the findings of the audit and subject to approval in accordance with the law,” he added.
He argued that funds recovered from benefits previously accorded to Kenyatta, should be redirected to the welfare of the Kenyans.
This comes after Uhuru Kenyatta told off critics who fault him whenever he calls out the government.
