By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, May 04, 2026 - Nandi Senator Kiprotich Cherarkey has ignited a political firestorm after tabling a hard-hitting Senate motion seeking to withdraw or reduce retirement benefits enjoyed by former President Uhuru Kenyatta over alleged involvement in partisan politics.
The motion, now before the Senate, invokes the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act and argues that Mr Kenyatta’s continued political activity violates the legal expectation that retired presidents remain neutral and non-partisan.
“Retirement benefits accorded to former Presidents are funded from public resources and are intended to uphold national unity, institutional respect, and non-partisanship,” reads part of the motion. “Any deviation from these principles raises serious concerns on accountability and prudent use of public funds.”
At the centre of Senator Cherarkey’s push is a demand for immediate action by Parliament, which he says has a constitutional obligation to enforce compliance with the law governing retired heads of state.
The motion outlines a series of actions attributed to Mr Kenyatta, including attending and addressing political rallies, issuing public statements perceived as endorsing or opposing political actors, and engaging in political mobilization across the country.
“These actions, if established, amount to active engagement in political party activities contrary to the spirit and letter of the Act,” the motion states.
If adopted, the proposal would see the former president’s benefits either withdrawn or significantly reduced in line with Section 4 of the law.
It further calls for a comprehensive audit by the Office of the Auditor-General into all public resources allocated to Mr Kenyatta, with findings to be submitted to the House within 60 days.
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In a far-reaching recommendation, the Senate would also consider revoking or reallocating budgetary provisions tied to the former president’s benefits, while any recovered funds would be redirected to public use.
The bold legislative move comes against the backdrop of heightened political tension following Mr Kenyatta’s recent assertion that he has a right to participate in the country’s political affairs.
His remarks have drawn sharp criticism from leaders aligned to President William Ruto and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Mr Kenyatta, who leads the Jubilee Party, has remained visible in political spaces, a factor that Cherarkey’s motion cites as justification for Parliament’s intervention.
The motion now sets the stage for a high-stakes showdown in the Senate, where it must garner the support of at least two-thirds of members to pass.
As the debate unfolds, the outcome could redefine the limits of political engagement for retired presidents and test Parliament’s resolve in enforcing accountability over the use of public resources.