Boni Khalwale: Why Treasury Should Deny Raila Sh74 Million Pension

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale on Wednesday, June 28, countered Azimio la Umoja's call to boycott taxes, calling on the Treasury to re-evaluate their pension schemes for high-ranking opposition members. 

In his statement, the senator questioned why Azimio was against tax remittance from which they gain their annual pensions. Khalwale disclosed that ex-President Uhuru Kenyatta is set to receive Sh440 million, Raila Odinga will get Sh74.16 million and Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka will get Sh70.21 million. He noted that, if Raila's appeal is carried out, the Treasury may decide to limit or stop paying these pensions.

The budget for the 2023/24 financial year shows that Kenyatta is due to get Sh440 million in benefits, as well as allowances for accommodation, fuel and entertainment. His local and foreign travels will be allocated Sh176 million, while a further Sh55 million will be allocated to buy furniture. A sum of Sh25 million will be allocated towards fuel for his vehicles and Sh18.8 million towards their maintenance.

To protest the Finance Act 2023, Mr Odinga advised Kenyans to boycott taxes and carpool in order to save on fuel costs. Additionally, he proposed that citizens limit non-essential travel and that matatu owners carry more passengers while maintaining the same fares. He further suggested that Kenyans block the paths of President Ruto and other senior government officials' motorcades. The opposition is scheduled to present a programme for nationwide civil disobedience on July 7, 2023.