Gov’t Defends Self Over Former President’s Office Neglect Claims
On Monday evening, the national government fired back at former President Uhuru Kenyatta over neglect claims.
The Government refused several accounts Kenyatta had given about the financing of his office, alleged intimidation of his staff, and claims that the Kenya Kwanza administration used underhanded tactics to deny his office its budget.
In a statement, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura refuted the claims, insisting that Uhuru continues to receive the benefits to which he is entitled as a retired president.
The government clarified in the statement that Uhuru’s office was allocated 14 vehicles, which were maintained and fuelled by the state.
“The Office of the Third Retired President admits they have been provided with vehicles. We only differ on the number. The fact is that they have been provided with 14 vehicles,” read the statement in part.
Furthermore, the spokesperson denied that Uhuru’s fuel cards were blocked.
The third retired president wants to be both landlord and tenant. It is an adventure that the law abiding Kenya Kwanza government cannot engage in, as this is a serious conflict of interest. pic.twitter.com/QbsipChXUM
— Dr. Isaac Mwaura CBS (@MwauraIsaac1) June 10, 2024
Dr. Mwaura stated that the vehicles are fuelled using State House Master Cards, with records indicating that several vehicles were fueled as recently as May 15, 2024.
According to Mwaura, the vehicles are routinely maintained and serviced at State House, with the most recent services occurring on April 5, May 7, May 8, and May 15, 2024.
Mwaura also clarified that the vehicles used by Uhuru were not as old as previously claimed, having been purchased between 2020, 2021, and 2022.
“They are, therefore, very befitting of the person of the third retired President. They include 2 Range Rover Autobiography. 2 Range Rover Sport, Mercedes S600L, Armoured Land Cruiser V8 and 4 Prados,” Mwaura added.
It was also reported that Uhuru’s office had requested four new vehicles from the national government for a total of KSh 140 million.
“They are Range Rover Vogue (First Edition) at Ksh 51.3 million, Mercedes Benz 5500 worth Ksh 66.4 million, Toyota Land Cruiser ZX-VXRK6 worth KSh22.5 million and Toyota Fortuner at Ksh 10.6 million,” detailed the GOK.
PRESS STATEMENT.
— Office of the 4th President of Kenya. (@4thPresidentKE) June 10, 2024
RE: BENEFITS TO THE OFFICE OF THE 4TH PRESIDENT.
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen of the press and thank you for honoring our invite.
We invited you here today to give a formal response on an issue that was addressed by the Government Spokesperson Mr. Isaac… pic.twitter.com/zRQ3Y483fa
On the issue of salaries, the government stated that two employees, Kanze Dena (Director of Communications) and George Kariuki from Uhuru’s Office, were not listed as public servants and thus are not eligible to be on the government payroll.
Regarding the office, the government maintained that Uhuru declined to occupy the space provided to him in Nyari, Nairobi County, which had previously been occupied by former President Mwai Kibaki.
The government also accused Uhuru of attempting to be a “tenant and a landlord” at the same time, requesting that the government pay for his personal office.
Furthermore, the government insisted on paying Uhuru and his staff’s salaries on time.
The statement clarified that the government pays for the former president’s foreign trips which were capped at four per year with a maximum of 14 days as per the law.
Gov’t Defends Self Over Former President’s Office Neglect Claims