The State House has denied Daily Nation’s report on Friday, October 14, that President William Ruto recalled former President Daniel Moi’s cars and staff.
The vehicles were withdrawn in accordance with the law, according to State House Comptroller Kinuthia Mbugua, but the exercise took place before Ruto took office.
He thus absolved Ruto of the blame heaped on him by Kenyans who claimed the President was pursuing the late president’s family.
“The benefits of a retired President are clearly spelt out in the Presidential Benefits Act, 2003 with Section 5 specifically stating that pensions and other benefits of a retired president are to be enjoyed only during his lifetime,” the report reads in part.
“Hence, pension and other benefits entitled to former President H.E. Daniel Arap Moiceased on 4th February 2020 in compliance with the provisions of the Presidential Retirement BenefitsAct 2003,” the statement added.
According to Mbugua, the recalling of cars and staff as stipulated by the law took place before HE William Ruto assumed office.
State House has since demanded an apology from the media house, terming the reports as “malicious and misleading”.
“We, therefore, take great exception to the story and demand an apology and retraction of the same.”
According to the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act of 2013, the late former President Moi was entitled to lifetime benefits.
Moi was given 30 employees, a monthly pension, and two four-wheel vehicles that were replaceable every three years.
He was also given diplomatic passports and several allowances. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta enjoyed the same benefits after retiring. He was entitled to a lump sum of Ksh34.5 million, which was a twelve-month salary accumulation.
Deputy presidents, prime ministers, and house speakers are among the other senior government officials who are entitled to special privileges after retirement.
