Raila Odinga's ODM secretariat is locked in an intense battle with the treasury over an alleged ploy to deny him his share of pension funds, the Business Daily reported on Monday, September 9.
This comes after Treasury froze the retirement benefits of the former PM on grounds that he is already enjoying similar perks in his capacity as African Union’s special envoy for infrastructure development, a job which he secured through the government's backing, and paying him the same would amount to double allocation.
Coming to the defense of the Treasury, a source told Business Daily that while the Treasury was ready to pay him his monthly pension, they would not pay him the benefits.
“We are ready to pay Mr. Odinga his monthly pension and not the benefits because he is already enjoying the perks from the AU. The law does not support cash benefit. We are mandated to provide benefits, but we may be forced to seek the Attorney-General’s advice on this demand,” Business Daily quoted a treasury official.
It is alleged that Odinga, who was appointed to the AU position in October 2018, has an office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and Nairobi. In addition to that, the AU provides him with medical cover, staff, and cars.
According to the law, the ODM leader is entitled to a monthly pension equivalent to 80% of his last salary, medical insurance, security, and a diplomatic passport for himself and his spouse.
Other perks the former PM is supposed to enjoy include 1 personal assistant, 1 secretary, 1 accountant, 2 housekeepers, 2 senior support staff, 2 gardeners, armed security and 2 cleaners.
In terms of transportation, the former PM is entitled to 2 saloon cars and a four-wheel-drive vehicle, which comes with 3 drivers and a fuel allowance. The vehicles are to be replaced every 4 years.
President Kenyatta in 2015 refused to assent to a bill that would have granted the former prime minister and wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka hefty perks claiming that they would only qualify for such when they quit active politics.
He, however, softened his stance on May 2018, after the handshake, setting aside Ksh1.5 billion as gratuity for retired presidents under an expenditure line that is being introduced.
