The Controversy Surrounding Mama Ngina Kenyatta's Security and Benefits

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta confirmed on Monday that the Kenya Kwanza administration has withheld entitled benefits from his mother Mama Ngina.

The treatment she has received from the current administration, particularly regarding her security detail and entitled benefits, has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the respect and dignity accorded to individuals who have served the nation in such prominent roles. At the heart of this controversy lies the abrupt withdrawal of Mama Ngina's security personnel in July 2023. According to former President Uhuru Kenyatta's Spokesperson Kanze Dena, this decision was communicated via a mere phone call without any prior notice or consultation. Despite assurances to the contrary, the security detail has not been reinstated, leaving Mama Ngina in a vulnerable position and deprived of the protective measures befitting her stature.

The situation is further compounded by the denial of entitled benefits that Mama Ngina should rightfully receive as a former First Lady. By law, she is entitled to benefits equivalent to 50% of what a retired president receives. However, the government has fallen short in upholding this obligation, casting doubt on its commitment to honouring the sacrifices and contributions of those who have served the nation at the highest levels. One glaring issue is the failure to provide Mama Ngina with replacement vehicles as mandated by law. The three Range Rovers currently in her possession were originally allocated during the tenures of former Presidents Daniel Arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki. Regrettably, these vehicles have not been replaced as stipulated, with one of them remaining unusable, posing significant inconvenience and potentially compromising her mobility and safety.

Moreover, Mama Ngina's fuel cards were abruptly cancelled in March 2023, forcing her to bear the burden of fuel expenses out of her own pocket. Amidst the controversy, there have been claims circulating about former President Uhuru Kenyatta maintaining a fully furnished office provided by the government. However, Kanze Dena has clarified that the current office setup was personally furnished by the former president and he covers the operational budget himself. Kanze Dena dispels any misconceptions about state-funded luxuries for Uhuru Kenyatta.