Gatundu South MP Kagombe seeks to stop Uhuru, Raila and Kalonzo benefits
Politics
By
Jacob Ng'etich
| May 04, 2023
An MP has filed a Motion seeking to stop pension benefits for retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and other top Azimio leaders.
Gatundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe also wants Uhuru, Raila Odinga and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to refund Sh844 million they have received since they exited office "for actively engaging in politics."
Kagombe, in his notice of Motion for the termination of retirement payments, claims that the law bars them from actively engaging in politics once they leave office.
"The Presidential Retirement Benefits Act, 2003, Retirement Benefits (Deputy President and Designated Officers) Act, 2015 provide for the granting of pension and other retirement benefits to holders of the office of President, and the offices of the Deputy President, Prime Minister, Vice-President, Speaker, Chief Justice or Deputy Chief Justice when they cease to hold office," he says.
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The MP wants the national government, through relevant ministries and agencies, to recover Sh78,764,000 paid to Uhuru, Sh388,810,000 from Raila and 375,790,000 from Kalonzo.
"The Cabinet Secretary, National Treasury and Economic Planning terminates further payment of retirement benefits to the aforementioned former state officials," says Kagombe.
He also wants the National Treasury CS to furnish Parliament with data on the payments made to the leaders since they left office.
The MP says the law stipulates the circumstances under which benefits may not be paid. "It includes ceasing to hold office on account of having acted in willful violation of the Constitution, being found guilty of gross misconduct or holding office in, or actively engaging in the activities of any political party."
Six MPs allied to President William Ruto said the leaders do not deserve the benefits as they are engaging in politics, including taking part in the ongoing Azimio's anti-government demonstrations.
Speaking in Nairobi yesterday, the MPs declared they will push the National Treasury to terminate further payments.
According to the law, the former President is entitled to three drivers paid Sh70,000 each, one personal assistant entitled to Sh200,000 monthly, one accountant Sh100,000, two secretaries Sh140,000, two housekeepers Sh80,000, two senior support staff at Sh100,000.
Others are two gardeners at Sh40,000, two cooks at Sh140,000, two cleaners at Sh50,000, armed security guards on request at Sh200,000, diplomatic passports, office and office equipment, maintenance equipment for the vehicles provided and access to the VIP lounge 11 at all airports.