By Marline Atieno
In a recent statement, the government has firmly dismissed allegations that it has withheld budget allocations for the office of former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
These claims, which have stirred considerable debate in political circles and among the public, have been categorically labelled as unfounded by government officials.
In a statement, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura denied the allegations, asserting that Uhuru continues to receive all the benefits he is entitled to as a retired president.
In the statement, the government clarified that Uhuru’s office has been allocated 14 vehicles, which are maintained and fuelled by the state.
“The Office of the Third Retired President acknowledges that they have been provided with vehicles. We only disagree on the number. The fact is they have been supplied with 14 vehicles,” the statement read in part.
Additionally, the spokesperson dismissed assertions that Uhuru’s fuel cards were deactivated, affirming that the vehicles are refuelled using State House Master Cards.
Records indicate that numerous vehicles were refuelled as recently as May 15, 2024.
According to Mwaura, the vehicles undergo regular maintenance and servicing at State House.
The most recent services were conducted on April 5, May 7, May 8 and May 15, 2024.
Moreover, there were reports indicating that Uhuru’s office had submitted a proposal to the national government, seeking four new vehicles valued at KSh140 million.
Regarding salary matters, the government highlighted that two individuals, Kanze Dena (Director of Communications) and George Kariuki from Uhuru’s Office, were not included in the roster of public servants and therefore, they are ineligible to receive compensation from the government.
Furthermore, the Government criticized Uhuru for attempting to play both the roles of “tenant and landlord” simultaneously by seeking government funding for his private office.
The government affirmed that it consistently disburses salaries to Uhuru and his staff punctually.
The statement also clarified that the government covers the costs of the former president’s overseas journeys, which are limited by law to four trips per year, each lasting a maximum of 14 days.