Western Kenya Leaders Threaten to Withdraw Uhuru Kenyatta’s Retirement Benefits Over Active Politics
Western Kenya leaders vow to back a motion to revoke former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s pension, citing his continued political involvement despite retirement.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 20, 2026
2 min read
Political leaders from Western Kenya have issued a stern warning to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, threatening to back a parliamentary motion to withdraw his retirement benefits. The move comes amid allegations that Uhuru remains actively involved in politics, which they argue violates the law governing retired presidents.
Allegations of Political Activity
At a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) public meeting in Kakamega County on August 20, Sirisia MP John Waluke criticized Uhuru for participating in active politics despite having retired. Waluke stated, "If the former President continues engaging in active politics, his pension should be withdrawn. Why is he doing politics yet he is a retired President, which is against the constitution."
Kakamega County Deputy Governor Ayub Savula echoed these sentiments, urging Waluke to collaborate with other parliamentarians to formalize the motion in Parliament.
Context and Political Dynamics
Western leaders have accused the former president of backing the Linda Mwananchi Movement, which they claim campaigns against President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 general elections. The region’s political chiefs, including Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, have pledged to deliver four million votes for Ruto’s re-election bid. Their support is linked to demands for the Deputy Presidency slot in 2027 and a Luhya presidential candidate in 2032.
Legal Grounds for Withdrawal
The leaders argue that Uhuru’s alleged political engagement breaches Section 6 of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act. This section prohibits retired presidents from holding leadership positions in political parties beyond six months after leaving office. They maintain that such involvement undermines the expected political neutrality and could justify Parliament’s review of his state-funded benefits.
Government Reactions
Ruling coalition figures, including Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot and Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, have publicly accused Uhuru of financing opposition groups and orchestrating activities aimed at destabilizing the current administration. These accusations underpin efforts within Parliament to support the withdrawal motion.
