Aden Duale wants Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka to quit politics

Kenya: A Jubilee MP is scheming to block Coalition for Reforms and Democracy co-principals Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka from contesting in future elections if they receive State-funded retirement benefits.

The plot involves proposed changes to the Elections Act and the Retirement Benefits (Deputy President and Other Designated State Officers) Bill 2013, which seeks to force the former Prime Minister and the former vice president to quit elective politics to benefit from the perks.

Also targeted is United Democratic Forum party leader Musalia Mudavadi. National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale has drafted amendments for beneficiaries to quit active politics but he denies they target Raila, Kalonzo and Mudavadi.

“From where I sit, they must quit politics. The word retirement means you have retired from active public duty. That is Jubilee’s position. When the bill comes to Parliament, Jubilee will take a position. I have not consulted the top Jubilee leadership on these latest amendments but I stand by what I believe is right,” he said.

The leaders are likely to take home about Sh85 million, which if the changes pass, they might not get. Duale wants Section 22 (1) of the Elections Act amended to ensure the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission does not clear individuals who benefit from state-funded retirement benefits to contest in future elections.