Ruto Aide Farouk Kibet Threatens to Cut Uhuru Kenyatta’s Retirement Benefits Over Political “Interference”

Farouk Kibet, a senior aide to President William Ruto, has ignited political tensions by threatening to terminate former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s retirement benefits, accusing the former head of state of persistently inciting youth against the current administration.

The controversial remarks were delivered during an interdenominational fundraiser at Dini ya Roho Mafuta Pole ya Africa Lampai Zion Church in Kapenguria, West Pokot County on Saturday.

“We are asking the retired president to respect Kenyans. You can’t be a retired head of state and then incite the public,” Kibet declared.

“He should allow the current president to govern. He was president for ten years; we were not happy with his regime, but we put up with it and allowed him to work. Every morning he wakes up to incite; he doesn’t want peace for this country, we tell him that he will be defeated.”

Kibet further stated: “There’s nothing that Uhuru left in the accounts, yet he’s out there inciting youths against the same government he left deranged. If he continues with his divisive politics, we might be forced to review his retirement package.”

Growing Administration Pushback Against Former President

Kibet’s comments follow similar criticism from Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who recently condemned Kenyatta’s calls for youth mobilization during a Jukwaa la Usalama forum in Machakos.

Murkomen questioned Kenyatta’s standing to “lecture others on governance,” suggesting the former president’s tenure disqualifies him from offering credible advice on good leadership.

During the West Pokot event, Kibet was accompanied by National Assembly Majority Whip Silvanus Osoro and Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, both vocal critics of the former president.

The confrontation stems from Kenyatta’s recurring public statements encouraging Kenyan youth to “stand up for their rights” and challenge the political status quo.

Kenyatta’s Youth Empowerment Message Under Scrutiny

At recent public appearances, Kenyatta has emphasized the power of Kenya’s youth demographic, urging them to leverage their numbers to drive political change.

These comments have referenced the landmark June 25, 2024 demonstrations against proposed tax increases, which saw unprecedented youth participation across Kenya.

“This is the moment for each and every one of you to step onto the stage. You have the numbers, you have the time, and you have the energy,” Kenyatta stated during a recent public lecture.

In another notable address, Kenyatta appeared to contrast former President Daniel Moi’s leadership style with the current administration, remarking that “Moi wasn’t scared of young people” – widely interpreted as a veiled criticism of President Ruto’s approach to youth engagement.

Administration Officials Question Kenyatta’s Record

Osoro accused Kenyatta of hypocrisy, claiming the former president neglected youth issues during his 2013-2022 tenure.

“It is under his watch that we experienced the registration of over 200 betting firms, which have plunged youths into depression,” Osoro alleged at the Kapenguria event, as reported by The Standard newspaper.

Kibet specifically challenged Kenyatta’s record as a benchmark, stating the former president should “be fair to Ruto” rather than using his platform to criticize his successor’s governance approach.

Legal Questions Over Retirement Benefits Threat

Constitutional experts have questioned the legality of Kibet’s threat. Under Kenya’s Presidential Retirement Benefits Act, former presidents receive pensions, staff allowances, vehicles, and other perks that can only be revoked through specific legal channels.

“Threatening to stop a former president’s benefits without due process raises serious constitutional concerns and could establish a dangerous precedent,” explained Jane Mwangi, a prominent Nairobi-based constitutional lawyer.

Political Tensions Escalate Despite December Truce

The public confrontation marks a deterioration in relations between the current and former presidents, despite a brief reconciliation in December 2024 when Ruto visited Kenyatta’s Gatundu home.

Political analysts view this latest dispute as positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Kenyatta appears to be cultivating an image as a youth champion, while Ruto’s inner circle works to consolidate power and neutralize potential opposition figures,” said Dr. Patrick Mutua, political science professor at the University of Nairobi.

Kenyatta’s representatives have defended his remarks as patriotic concern rather than political meddling.

“The former president is addressing the legitimate aspirations of Kenya’s youth who feel marginalized by current policies,” said a spokesperson who requested anonymity.

Broader Coalition Tensions Emerge

The dispute occurs amid signs of strain within Kenya’s political landscape, with reports that ODM Senator James Orengo has faced criticism from within his own party, with some colleagues suggesting he should “leave if unhappy with the broad-based government.” This indicates potential realignments as both the administration and opposition recalibrate their positions.

Meanwhile, President Ruto has reportedly addressed concerns from Nyanza leaders regarding MP Were’s assassination, highlighting the sensitive security climate in which these political exchanges are taking place.

As tensions escalate between the two political camps, many Kenyans worry about the impact of such high-profile disputes on national unity and governance priorities during a period of economic challenges.