The Kenya Kwanza regime has initiated a process to block the pension benefits of Azimio la Umoja leaders. The targeted pensions are of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
This action comes after a signature collection drive was launched on Saturday, July 15.
The initiative dubbed “BabaTumechoka” (Baba, we are tired), was launched by digital strategist Dennis Itumbi. While sharing the link to the initiative, Itumbi invited Kenyans to sign and express their opposition to the continued engagement of the trio in mass action.
Participants are required to provide their details, including their identification number, name, phone number, county, constituency, and ward names. They are also asked to include their digital signature before authorizing the receipt of further communication.
This move is seen as a response to the Azimio la Umoja coalition’s signature collection drive, which aims to hold a referendum to impeach President William Ruto.
The initiative led by Raila, called “Tumechoka,” involves a digital platform and physical signature collection. The initiative is meant to support the opposition’s grievances and civil disobedience efforts against the current administration.
Raila has called for a three-day protest, known as “maandamano,” to be held every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday until the government addresses their demands. The key notable demands include lowering the cost of living and repealing the Finance Act of 2023.
However, the Kenya Kwanza regime has expressed opposition to the plan, with some political figures urging the Treasury to reconsider the pension payment plans for the opposition leaders.
Critics question Azimio’s stance on opposing tax payment while expecting to receive pensions funded by tax collections.
The budget plan for the financial year 2023/24 indicates that Uhuru is set to receive Ksh440 million. Azimio leader Raila Odinga is to receive Ksh74.16 million, while Kalonzo was to pocket Ksh70.21 million in pension benefits.
Treasury cited the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act. According to the law, the former president must not hold any political office.
“A retired president shall not hold office in any political party for more than six months after ceasing to hold office as president,” says the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act.
Uhuru was last year handed a second five-year term as the Jubilee party leader. He is also the chairman of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition’s council.
The former President stressed that he is retired but not tired and that he is fully behind his party leader Raila Odinga.
