Jubilee Party National Chairman Nelson Dzuya on Thursday, April 27, urged the party to reconsider former President Uhuru Kenyatta's position within the party after his surprise visit to the headquarters on April 26.
In a statement, Dzuya argued that Uhuru could be holding office unlawfully noting that he was already enjoying his retirement benefits as a former Head of State.
The party official cited the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act Section 6(1) which stipulates that a former Head of State should not hold public and political office six months after exiting the top job.
He added that other party organs would deliberate on the matter and decide on Uhuru's fate as the party leader.
“By operation of the law, therefore, it can be argued that he is no longer legally the party leader of Jubilee Party.
"That said, this is probably a matter that ought to be considered by the relevant party organs and a decision made for the benefit of the members of our party,” he stated.
If it is determined that he was still holding office, the former president risks losing his retirement benefits.
On the other hand, Dzuya, who is supporting the takeover of the Secretary-General position by EALA MP Kanini Kega, called out Uhuru for failing the party.
He explained that Uhuru's inaction had contributed to the party wrangles which forced the police to intervene on Wednesday, April 27.
“He has never called or chaired any organ of the Jubilee Party since the National Delegates Convention (NDC) held on February 26, 2022.
"It was therefore horrifying to see him emerge for the first time since that NDC in the manner in which he did yesterday,” he stated.
However, the party official did not indicate when the decision on Uhuru's role as party leader would be made.
The former Head of State made a surprise visit to the party headquarters on April 26 after two factions allied to Kega and embattled SG Jeremiah Kioni clashed over control of the party.
Uhuru called for peace in his party noting that they would solve the differences through internal mechanisms.
However, he called on those who were disgruntled with the party to leave peacefully.
"Anyone who wants to leave a party can join another. We have no quarrel with anyone. We want to guard our party, and those who do not want, are free to leave," he stated.
Uhuru's Retirement Perks
As a former President, Uhuru is entitled to a lump sum payment on retirement, calculated as a sum equal to one year’s salary for each term served as President.
"A retired President shall, during his lifetime, be entitled to a monthly pension equal to eighty per cent of the monthly salary currently paid to the President," reads the Act in part.
Other perks included in the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act include an entertainment allowance of Ksh200,000 per month, a housing allowance of Ksh300,000 and a fuel allowance of Ksh200,00 per month.
"The former Head of State is also entitled to two new cars of the retired President’s choice, replaceable every three years, each car having an engine capacity not exceeding 3000cc.
"Two four-wheel drive motor vehicles of the retired President’s choice replaceable every three years, each vehicle having an engine capacity of 3400CC," reads the Act in part.
He is also entitled to get a maximum of six officers for their escort to protect them daily.
