Farouk Kibet Threatens to Take Away Uhuru Kenyatta’s Retirement Benefits for ‘Inciteful Politics’
In a bold and controversial statement, Farouk Kibet, a close ally of President William Ruto, has called on Parliament to review the retirement benefits of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, citing what he describes as “inciteful politics” from the former head of state.
Kibet, speaking in Vihiga, questioned the actions and influence of the former president despite his retirement. He accused Uhuru of continuing to engage in divisive political behavior, even after stepping down from office at the end of his ten-year presidential tenure. The remarks have added fuel to the ongoing political tensions between Uhuru’s faction and the Kenya Kwanza leadership.
In an impassioned plea, Farouk Kibet urged the government to take action against the former president’s retirement benefits. He proposed that Parliament table a motion to ensure that when political leaders retire, their benefits should be redirected to the people, as a measure to curb the influence of former leaders.
“I want to ask the former president, what did he leave at the State House? Is there anything he left?” Kibet questioned during his address, challenging the legacy of Uhuru’s presidency.
Kibet further intensified his criticism by stating, “I want to tell him to stop inciting politics. We are now telling Ichung’wah, the Majority Leader, to table a motion that whenever a political leader retires, his benefits should go to the people.”
The controversy surrounding Uhuru’s post-presidency actions has been building since his tenure ended. While he has attempted to maintain a neutral stance, subtle remarks and criticisms have fueled a growing discontent among Kenya Kwanza’s allies, especially within the government. His comments in January regarding the United States’ decision to cut donor funds and his address to the “Gen-Zs” at Makerere University have drawn mixed reactions, further intensifying political divisions.
Kenya Kwanza officials, including Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, have also criticized the former president, urging him to refrain from publicly opposing the government. Duale, in particular, emphasized that Uhuru had been given a decade to govern and should respect President William Ruto’s mandate.
“We gave you space to rule for ten years when you were the President. We did not incite you but gave you the chance to be President. Please follow the example of your predecessors and give President William Ruto a chance to rule,” Duale stated in a recent interview.
The call for Uhuru to relinquish his retirement benefits, though not yet a formal proposal, has sparked heated debate about the role and influence of retired political leaders in the country. The conversation continues to unfold, with many questioning whether this marks the beginning of a broader push to limit the influence of past presidents in Kenya’s political landscape.
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Farouk Kibet Threatens to Take Away Uhuru Kenyatta’s Retirement Benefits for ‘Inciteful Politics’