Luxury Cars Among Benefits Uhuru Stands to Lose If Cherargei’s Motion Passes

Luxury Cars Among Benefits Uhuru Stands to Lose If Cherargei’s Motion Passes

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta could lose a wide range of state-funded benefits, including luxury vehicles and financial allowances, if a motion introduced in the Senate gains the required parliamentary backing.

The motion, tabled by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei on May 4, 2026, seeks to review and potentially withdraw benefits granted to retired presidents under the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act. At the core of the proposal is the argument that former heads of state who engage in active politics may be in breach of the law governing their post-retirement privileges.

In his motion, Cherargei argued, “the Act is intended to ensure that retired Presidents remain non-partisan and available for advisory roles to the nation.” He contends that continued political engagement undermines the spirit of the law and raises concerns over the use of public resources.

The motion has triggered a broader national debate, with attention now shifting to the extensive list of benefits that the former president currently enjoys and could potentially lose.

Among the most significant is a monthly pension equivalent to 80 per cent of a sitting president’s salary, estimated at approximately Ksh1.4 million. In addition, Kenyatta receives multiple allowances that substantially boost his earnings.

These include an entertainment allowance set at 15 per cent of the president’s salary, a housing allowance at 23 per cent, and a fuel allowance also pegged at 15 per cent. He is further entitled to utilities support, with electricity, water, and telephone allowances collectively amounting to 23 per cent of the current president’s salary.

Beyond financial compensation, the former president benefits from an extensive support system funded by the state. This includes two personal assistants, four secretaries, four messengers, and four drivers, forming part of an administrative team designed to facilitate his official engagements.

He is also provided with a full domestic staff, comprising cooks, housekeepers, gardeners, laundry personnel, and cleaners, all financed by the government. Office maintenance and operational costs are similarly covered under the benefits package.

Transport privileges remain one of the most notable perks under scrutiny. The law entitles the former president to two vehicles of his choice, which are replaced every three years, with all maintenance costs fully borne by the state. These provisions have drawn particular attention amid growing public discourse on government expenditure.

In addition, Kenyatta enjoys diplomatic privileges, including diplomatic passports for himself and his spouse, as well as state-supported local travel arrangements.

The motion further proposes, “a comprehensive audit of all public resources allocated to the retired President under the Act.” This audit, if approved, would be conducted by the Office of the Auditor-General in collaboration with relevant state agencies.

According to the proposal, a detailed report would be submitted to Parliament within 60 days, outlining the extent and utilisation of resources allocated to the former head of state since leaving office.

For the motion to succeed, it must secure the support of at least two-thirds of Members of Parliament, a threshold that presents a significant political test.

The developments come amid heightened political activity involving the former president, with critics arguing that his recent public engagements signal a return to partisan politics. Supporters, however, maintain that he retains constitutional rights, including freedom of expression and association.

As the debate unfolds, the outcome of Cherargei’s motion is expected to set a precedent on how Kenya balances the privileges of retired leaders with accountability and adherence to the law.

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Luxury Cars Among Benefits Uhuru Stands to Lose If Cherargei’s Motion Passes