"CHOOSE POLITICS OR PERKS": FAROUK DARES UHURU

Farouk Kibet, a senior aide to President William Ruto, has issued a warning to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, threatening that he could lose his retirement benefits if he continues to engage in what he described as political interference.

Speaking during a Kenya Kwanza rally in Vihiga County on Sunday, Kibet accused Uhuru of undermining the current administration while still enjoying the privileges of a retired Head of State.

"Let him [Uhuru] decide whether he wants to be a retired president or an opposition politician. If he chooses politics, then he should not expect to continue receiving benefits from the government he is opposing,” Kibet said.

His remarks were in response to a speech Uhuru delivered in January at Uganda’s Makerere University, where the former president encouraged African youth — especially Generation Z — to stand up against poor governance and demand accountability.

"When you see bad governance, speak up. The future is yours to shape,” Uhuru told students, comments that were widely shared online and interpreted by some as a direct criticism of the Ruto administration.

According to the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act, retired presidents are expected to stay out of active politics to maintain their access to state-funded perks, including a monthly pension, personal security, office space, and travel allowances.

Kibet's comments have reignited tensions between allies of the former president and the current regime, with observers noting a deepening political rift that could shape the landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Uhuru has not responded publicly to the statements, and efforts to reach his office for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication.