The administration of President William Ruto has come under fire for allegedly misleading the public regarding the frustrations faced by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Accoording to media reports, Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed yesterday denied claims that the government has withheld funds allocated to Kenyatta’s office, despite widespread media reports to the contrary.
According to the Presidential and Retirement Benefits Act of 2003, retired presidents are entitled to funds for office operations, including staff salaries, travel expenses, and other necessities.
Media reports indicate that Kenyatta’s office is entitled to Ksh 120 million for foreign travel, 56 million for domestic travel, 51 million for staff salaries, 49 million for hospitality supplies, 25 million for fuel, and 6.2 million for communication expenses.
Despite these allocations, the funds have reportedly been withheld. This has forced Kenyatta to pay for his travel and other expenses out of his own pocket. Critics argue that this withholding of funds is either a petty or vindictive act by the current administration.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta during a past video conferencing in Statehouse
Past presidents, such as Daniel arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki, were allowed to choose their retirement offices, with the government covering the expenses as required by law. However, Kenyatta has been denied this right and is being forced to use a preselected office.
Kenyatta’s troubles with the current administration can be traced back to the 2018 “handshake” with ODM Party leader Raila Odinga, which aimed to foster national unity. This political move, however, alienated many within Kenyatta’s own party and created lasting rifts.
The situation has been escalated by the recent Limuru III meeting, where Mt. Kenya leaders openly declared their opposition to Ruto’s administration. Some political analysts believe that these events have contributed to the government’s current stance toward Kenyatta, suggesting that his suffering may be politically motivated.
Uhuru and Ruto during the handing-over ceremony in Kasarani
This latest controversy is part of what many see as a pattern of misinformation from Ruto’s government. The administration has been accused of twisting facts and presenting alternative narratives to suit its agenda.
