RETIRED PRES. UHURU RECEIVES AN ACCUMULATIVE PENSION OF KSH.48M YEARLY

Recent reports that the government had reduced the retirement benefits of both the country's first lady, Mama Ngina Kenyatta, and former president Uhuru Kenyatta have been publicly refuted.

President William Ruto's administration has consistently complied with constitutional standards, according to a statement released by government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura on Friday. Mwaura also emphasized the perks given to the retired head of state.

He said that in addition to his current Ksh. 1.6 million monthly salary and Ksh. 1 million monthly benefits, Uhuru had already received an accumulative pension of Ksh. 48 million.

Mwaura claims that the Ksh. 1 million monthly allowances consist of Ksh. 200,000 for amusement, Ksh. 300,000 for housing, Ksh. 200,000 for gasoline as well as Ksh. 300,000 set aside for phone, electricity, and water services.

"In compliance with the law, the government pledges to support the office of retiring presidents and other State officers. The Kenya Kwanza administration is adamantly opposed to using public resources for military purposes. Former presidents are required to receive pensions and other retirement benefits under the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act after leaving office, according to Mwaura.

"Contrary to some opinions, the government has consistently honored its obligations to retired presidents, vice presidents, and the former prime minister."

Mwaura continued by disclosing that Uhuru and his spouse receive comprehensive medical and hospital coverage of Ksh. 20 million for both domestic and international medical care, and all benefits are tax-free.

He said that the State provided offices, 12 vehicles that are legally maintained and fueled by the government, a staff of 33 people who are hired and paid by the current administration, and other amenities for the third President and former First Lady Mama Ngina.

"The government pays for and provides the retiring third president with an office space of his choosing that is completely equipped and maintained. Every three years, he is entitled to two new cars of his choosing with an engine displacement of at least 3000cc. He is also entitled to two additional 3,400cc vehicles, which must be replaced every three years, according to Mwaura.

Two Toyota Land Cruisers with 4,000cc engines, one Mercedes Benz with 5,000cc engine, four Toyota Prados with 2,700cc engines, two Range Rovers with 4,200cc engines, two Range Rovers with 5,000cc engines, and one Subaru Forester with 2,000cc engine are among the cars assigned to Kenyatta and the First Lady.

Mwaura continued by enumerating the 33 employees that work in Uhuru's office, including two private secretaries, three principal assistants to hospitality, two senior assistants to hospitality, two drivers, three assistants to public communication, two assistant superintendents of gardens, a head housekeeper, and a head waiter.

The remaining individuals are three assistant officers in hospitality, two physicians, one deputy director of programs, one director of hospitality, two photographers, two paramedics, one primary officer in programs, one principal financial officer, one director, one editor, and one social media manager at the administrative services office.

The government spokesperson emphasized that all of the employees are well paid, with some holding positions higher up, such as Principal Secretary, and that Uhuru is still protected as a VIP and that his residences are being watched by law enforcement.