The government has firmly rejected allegations made by former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s office regarding the provision of vehicles, office space, staff, and budget.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura accused the former head of state of making false claims and attempting to secure unlawful privileges that would violate procurement laws and regulations.
The explosive dispute centers on the vehicles allocated to the retired president’s office. Mwaura asserted that contrary to claims of the vehicles being old and undeserving, the fleet comprises 14 high-end models acquired between 2020 and 2022, including two Range Rover Autobiography, two Range Rover Sport, a Mercedes S600L, an armored Land Cruiser V8, and four Toyota Prado SUVs.
“The records are clear: The vehicles were bought in the years ranging between 2020, 2021 and 2022. They are, therefore, very befitting of the person of the third retired President,” Mwaura stated, adding that some vehicles cost as much as KES 51.3 million.
Dismissing allegations of fuel cards being blocked, the spokesperson revealed that the vehicles are fueled through the State House Master Card, with records showing several instances of refueling in May 2024. The vehicles are also routinely serviced at State House, with recent maintenance carried out as recently as April and May this year.
Moreover, Mwaura disclosed that the retired president’s office has requested an additional four vehicles worth a staggering KES 140 million, including a Range Rover Vogue (First Edition) at KES 51.3 million and a Mercedes Benz S500 valued at KES 66.4 million.
The contentious issue of office space has also fueled tensions. The government maintains that it purchased a suitable office in Nairobi’s upscale Nyari area in 2012/2013, which served as the late President Mwai Kibaki’s office for nine years until 2022. However, Mwaura accused the Third Retired President of attempting to violate procurement laws by insisting on using his private home as an office, effectively making him “both a landlord and a tenant at the same time.”
On staffing, while confirming that 33 out of the 34 staff stipulated by the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act are already in office, Mwaura noted that the names of two individuals – George Kariuki and Kanze Dena – have not been forwarded by the retired President for processing.
Regarding the budget, the spokesperson clarified that the government diligently pays the salaries, allowances, and travel expenses of the retired President and his staff, subject to regulations. However, he emphasized that the budget falls under the purview of the State House Comptroller, who is the accounting officer responsible for originating and defending it in Parliament, dismissing any obligation to seek concurrence from the retired president’s office.
Mwaura concluded the strongly-worded statement by reiterating the government’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law, suggesting that the retired president’s demands may have crossed legal boundaries.
“The government remains committed to upholding the rule of law at all times,” Mwaura declared, in what appears to be a thinly-veiled warning against any attempts to circumvent established procedures and regulations.
