East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament David Ole Sankok has criticised proposals seeking to review or revoke retirement benefits of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, saying political disagreements should not be used to undermine constitutional protections attached to the presidency.

Speaking during an interview on May 14, 2026, Sankok questioned calls to amend constitutional provisions because of political differences. He referenced remarks by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, who recently proposed a motion targeting the retirement benefits of the former Head of State.

“It is not a matter for the assembly to discuss,” Sankok said. “We are becoming a country bordering on a banana republic because just because of political differences, we want to amend the constitution or do whatever we want.”

He added that despite political disagreements, the office of the presidency should continue to be respected. “Even if we may not respect Muigai Kenyatta personally, the office he held, the highest office in the land, should be respected and must be respected,” he said.

Uhuru’s retirement benefits

The debate follows a motion introduced by Senator Cherargei after Uhuru Kenyatta publicly endorsed Jubilee Party Deputy Leader Fred Matiang’i during Labour Day celebrations. Cherargei argued that a retired president who actively participates in politics should not continue enjoying state retirement benefits without review.

The proposal generated reactions from political leaders and legal commentators, with some arguing that retirement privileges for former presidents are protected under the Constitution. Article 151(3) states that retirement benefits and privileges of a former president “shall not be varied to their disadvantage during their lifetime.”

Sankok also referenced previous cooperation within the Jubilee administration, stating that the government had previously committed to supporting the retired president after leaving office.

Constitutional protections

Several political leaders and legal figures have also commented on the matter. Former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi stated that constitutional rights cannot be altered through ordinary parliamentary processes without following constitutional procedures.

Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo and Suba South MP Caroli Omondi also criticised the proposal, while Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Belgut MP Nelson Koech warned against using retirement benefits as political tools.

The discussion has renewed public debate on constitutional protections for retired presidents, political participation after office, and the role of Parliament in reviewing benefits attached to former state officers.