A Senate motion now seeks a far-reaching review of benefits granted to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, with Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei proposing their withdrawal, reduction, or reallocation alongside a compulsory audit of public resources allocated under the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act.
The proposal, dated May 4, 2026, places Parliament at the centre of determining whether continued access to state-funded benefits is justified, particularly in light of claims that the former Head of State has remained active in partisan political activities after leaving office.
At the core of the motion is a request for the Office of the Auditor-General, working with relevant state agencies, to conduct a comprehensive audit of all public resources allocated to Kenyatta and submit findings to the Senate within 60 days should the proposal be adopted.
“The Office of the Auditor-General, in collaboration with relevant state agencies, shall undertake a comprehensive audit of all public resources allocated to the retired President under the Act and submit a report to this House within sixty (60) days,” stated Cherargei.
The senator frames his argument around provisions of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act, which outlines the conditions under which former presidents receive pensions and other privileges after leaving office.
“THAT, AWARE THAT, the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act provides for the granting of pension and other retirement benefits to former holders of the office of President upon ceasing to hold office, with the intention of safeguarding the dignity of the office and ensuring that retired Presidents remain non-partisan and available for national advisory roles,” highlighted Cherargei.
“COGNIZANT THAT, section 6 of the Act restricts a retired President from active engagement in political party activities beyond the prescribed period and envisages a neutral, consultative, and advisory role for the benefit of the nation.”
The motion argues that since leaving office, Kenyatta has been publicly reported and widely documented to have taken part in political rallies, meetings aligned with specific political formations, and consultative engagements tied to ongoing political contests across the country.
It also references public statements attributed to the former President that are seen as endorsing or opposing political actors and parties, raising questions within the motion on whether such involvement aligns with the legal framework governing retired presidents.
Cherargei further anchors the proposal on Parliament’s oversight mandate over public finances, stating that the House is required to act where there is reason to question whether state-funded benefits are being enjoyed in line with the law.
Beyond the audit, the motion proposes that any funds recovered following the review be redirected toward programmes aimed at supporting the welfare of Kenyans.
For the proposal to take effect, it must secure the support of at least two-thirds of all Members of Parliament, as required under Section 4 of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act.
