Benefits Uhuru Kenyatta Could Lose If Cherargei’s Motion Is Approved
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta could lose a wide range of state-funded benefits and privileges if a motion introduced by Samson Cherargei is passed in Parliament.
The motion, which was dated May 4, 2026, seeks to question whether retired presidents who actively participate in politics should continue enjoying taxpayer-funded benefits provided under the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act.
According to Senator Cherargei, the spirit of the law was meant to allow former heads of state to remain neutral after leaving office.
He argued that retired presidents are expected to serve the country in advisory and statesman roles rather than taking part in active political activities or engaging in partisan politics.
If the proposal gains the support of at least two-thirds of Members of Parliament, Uhuru risks losing several lucrative benefits currently financed by the government.
At the centre of the debate is the generous retirement package that former presidents enjoy after leaving office.
One of the biggest benefits Uhuru could lose is his monthly pension, which is currently pegged at 80 per cent of the salary earned by a sitting president.
This amount stands at approximately Ksh1.4 million every month, making it one of the most significant state-funded privileges available to retired presidents.
Apart from the pension, the former Head of State also receives several allowances that cater to his lifestyle and official needs.
These include an entertainment allowance worth 15 per cent of the sitting president’s salary, a housing allowance amounting to 23 per cent, and a fuel allowance also calculated at 15 per cent of the president’s pay.
Additionally, Uhuru enjoys government-paid utility allowances that cover electricity, water, and telephone expenses.
These benefits are valued at 23 per cent of the current president’s salary and are meant to support the former president’s daily operations and comfort.
The benefits package also extends beyond financial support. Uhuru is entitled to a large government-funded workforce that assists him in both official and personal duties.
This includes two personal assistants, four secretaries, four messengers, and four drivers who help manage his office and transport needs.
On top of that, the former president is also provided with a complete domestic support team funded by the state.
The team consists of four cooks, four housekeepers, four gardeners, four laundry attendants, and four house cleaners who help maintain his residences and ensure smooth daily operations.
The government also takes care of office maintenance and other operational costs linked to his status as a retired president.
These services are designed to ensure that former heads of state continue carrying out public engagements comfortably even after leaving office.
Transport remains another major privilege that Uhuru could lose if the motion sails through Parliament.
Under the current law, he is entitled to two brand-new vehicles of his choice, which are replaced every three years. The government also fully covers all maintenance and operational costs associated with the vehicles.
In addition, Uhuru currently enjoys diplomatic privileges reserved for former presidents. These include diplomatic passports for both himself and his spouse, as well as government-facilitated travel arrangements for local engagements and official functions.
At the same time, Senator Cherargei’s motion is also pushing for a detailed audit of all public funds and state resources allocated to Uhuru since he exited office in 2022.
If the motion is approved, the audit would be carried out jointly by the Office of the Auditor-General together with other relevant government agencies.
The agencies would then be expected to compile and submit a full report within 60 days outlining all benefits, resources, and expenditures connected to the former president since his retirement.
The proposal has already sparked debate across the political landscape, with some leaders supporting the move while others argue that retirement benefits for former presidents are protected by law and should not be influenced by political disagreements.
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