A section of Jubilee legislators expressed their willingness to engage former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is at crossroads as the statutory 30 days ultimatum nears the end.
Led by former Cheragany Member of Parliament, Joshua Kutuny, the lawmakers indicated that they had hatched plans to engage the former commander-in-chief to charter a way forward on his future.
Uhuru risks losing his nearly Ksh700 million retirement perk, with Jubilee rebel members pushing him to either quit the party or work with his successor, President William Ruto.
The lawmakers who met Ruto at State House explained that they were willing to engage Uhuru, Jubilee’s party leader, to also inform him of their decision to leave Azimio la Umoja.
“Within the same period, we hope that our party leader (Uhuru Kenyatta) will reach out so that we explain to him why we want to exit. We have been frustrated because our members have been denied some positions in Parliament, and that is what has engineered all these, “Joshua Kutuny told Nation.
According to the MPs, their discourse would help save Uhuru from being sidelined after Jubilee exits Azimio. It would also help him secure his retirement perks.
Constitution stipulates that a retired president is required to exit active politics to access his retirement perks. To convince Uhuru, National Treasury allocated Ksh678.57 million in pension and other retirement perks, including a fully furnished office, a car and salaries for aides.
“A retired President shall not hold office in any political party for more than six months after ceasing to hold office as President,” the law prescribes.
Uhuru can only be assigned other roles which do not place at the centre of different political discourses.
“A retired President may be requested by the Government to perform specific official functions and shall be paid a reasonable allowance in respect of such official functions,” the Presidential Act further stipulates.
However, since Ruto ascended to power on September 13, 2022, five months have lapsed, with Uhuru still at the helm of Azimio and Jubilee leadership.
By March 16, six months would have ended, allowing the government to deny Uhuru his retirement perks.
However, the former head of state indicated his willingness to turn down the perks. During the late Education Cabinet Secretary George Omore Magoha’s burial, he pledged his loyalty to Raila.
“My brother, my friend, my party leader Raila Odinga fellow mourners, we are here to join you today to celebrate the life of a great son,” Uhuru stated while affirming his position in Azimio.
He further accompanied Raila to a series of roadside rallies where he spelt out his political position.
“I am retired, but I am not tired. I might be out of the office but I am fully behind Raila. If he tells me we go this way, we will,” Uhuru stated during a rally on Saturday, February 12.
“I supported him in 2022, and I will back him because he is an honest man out to unite Kenya. I am not looking for any seat, but it is my right to back Raila,” he added.
To weaken Uhuru, Ruto invaded Jubilee, gaining support from over 30 legislators. Led by former Kieni MP Kanini Kega, the MPs who met Ruto suspended Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni and Vice Chairperson David Murathe.
The battle to control Jubilee is, however, set to be determined by Uhuru’s last decision after the 30 days ultimatum lapses.
Source: kENYANS.CO.KE