Cherargei Moves to Scrap Uhuru Benefits in Escalating Political Row
Politics Updated: 05 May 2026 10:11 EAT
A fresh political storm is brewing after Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei tabled a motion in the Senate seeking to scrap or significantly reduce retirement benefits enjoyed by former President Uhuru Kenyatta. The move comes amid rising political tensions and sustained criticism of the former Head of State by allies of President William Ruto.
In the motion, Cherargei argues that benefits provided under the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act should not be extended to a retired president who is actively engaged in partisan politics. He claims that such privileges are meant to support leaders who maintain neutrality after leaving office.
The senator accuses Uhuru Kenyatta of continued political involvement since his exit from power in 2022, citing public remarks and perceived endorsements of opposition figures. According to Cherargei, such actions amount to direct participation in active politics, which he says undermines the spirit of the law.
The proposed motion also calls for an audit of all state resources allocated to the former president since his retirement. Cherargei wants the Office of the Auditor-General to conduct a comprehensive review within a set timeline and submit findings to Parliament.
If approved, the audit would determine whether benefits granted to Uhuru should be withdrawn, reduced, or maintained. The senator further proposes that any funds recovered from revoked privileges be redirected to public welfare programmes.
Under current law, retired presidents in Kenya are entitled to a generous package that includes pension, security, staff, official vehicles and other state-funded facilitation. These benefits are designed to ensure dignity, safety and continuity after leaving office.
The motion has ignited sharp political debate, with allies of President William Ruto backing the proposal and accusing Uhuru of undermining the government while still enjoying taxpayer-funded privileges. They argue that public resources should not support leaders engaged in political opposition.
However, leaders allied to Uhuru Kenyatta have strongly opposed the move, describing it as politically motivated and punitive. They maintain that former presidents retain full constitutional rights, including freedom of expression and participation in national affairs.
Legal experts have also weighed in, warning that any attempt to withdraw benefits could face constitutional hurdles. They note that protections for former presidents are anchored in law and cannot be arbitrarily removed without due legal process.
If the motion succeeds, it could set a far-reaching precedent in Kenya by redefining the terms under which retired presidents access state benefits. It would also likely reshape the political landscape by influencing how former leaders engage in national politics after leaving office.
Tags: Political Parties Political Partys Political Science Political tensions Politics President Uhuru President Uhuru Kenyatta Samsom Cherargei Signs Signs Media Signs Media Kenya Limited Signs Tv Signsmedia Signstv Signstvkenya Uhuru Uhuru Kenyatta
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