In a bid to resolve the contentious issues surrounding former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s retirement benefits, President William Ruto held a significant meeting with his predecessor on Tuesday morning. The discussions were focused on finding a sustainable solution to the ongoing disagreements between their respective offices.
According to State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, the meeting was productive and aimed at addressing the retirement benefits of the former president. “This morning, President William Ruto had a conversation with his predecessor in office, the 4th President, President Uhuru Kenyatta, regarding concerns about facilitating the functioning of the retired President’s office,” the statement read.
As a direct outcome of the talks, President Ruto announced the formation of a special team tasked with examining and resolving the issues raised by former President Kenyatta. This team will be chaired by the Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, and is expected to address several key concerns, including the location of Kenyatta’s retirement office and the necessary staff establishment.
The statement from the State House further elaborated on the mandate of the newly formed team. “President Ruto has consequently constituted a team, led by the Head of Public Service, to immediately address all the issues raised, including the location of the retired President’s office and the attendant staff establishment,” it added.
The urgency of the matter was underscored by recent statements from the Office of the 4th President, which had refuted claims by the government regarding the provision of retirement benefits to Kenyatta. According to Uhuru’s office, the government had not furnished his retirement office as stipulated by the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act.
This latest development marks a significant step towards resolving the disagreement that has been simmering between the current and former administrations. The formation of the team indicates a commitment from President Ruto to ensure that the issues are addressed promptly and comprehensively, in accordance with the law.
The public and political analysts alike will be watching closely as the newly constituted team begins its work, hoping that this move will bring a harmonious resolution to the retirement benefits saga. As the situation unfolds, it will be crucial for both sides to collaborate effectively to uphold the integrity of the retirement benefits framework for former presidents.
