Members of Parliament are now calling on the Executive to stop paying pensions to former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka , former Chief Justice David Maraga, and ex-Speaker Justin Muturi for participating in ongoing anti-government protests.
In a motion discussing the demonstrations that took place on Wednesday and affected various parts of the country, the lawmakers said the trio had failed to live up to the expectations of the Retirement Benefits (Deputy President and Designated State Officer) Act.
They argued that it is illogical for the government to use taxpayers' money to pay the three former state officers, only for them to demonstrate against the same government in the streets.
Even as MPs are eyeing his retirement perks, Mr Maraga is also fighting to have his security reinstated after the officers were withdrawn on Wednesday.
In a letter to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Mr Maraga says he enjoys the services of the armed security guards courtesy of the Retirement Benefits (Deputy President and Designated State Officer) Act.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga at his residence in Karen on June 18, 2025.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group
“I have enjoyed the services of the officers attached in my office for almost five years now uninterrupted. It is curious that they were suddenly recalled after my public criticism of the police and my participation in the Nairobi CBD march on June 25, 2025,” Mr Maraga said.
Mr Maraga, who claimed to be the Gen Z candidate, joined protesters in Nairobi on Wednesday, while Mr Musyoka and other opposition leaders laid wreaths for those killed in Parliament last year.
Mr Musyoka, Mr Maraga and Mr Muturi are entitled to substantial benefits under the Retirement Benefits (Deputy President and Designated State Officer) Act due to their previous positions.
However, despite these provisions, the National Assembly may resolve that an entitled person, their surviving spouse or their children shall not receive any benefits conferred by this Act if they cease to hold office due to wilfully violating the Constitution or committing gross misconduct.
Additionally, the House may deny such a person benefits if, since ceasing to hold office, they have been convicted of an offence and sentenced to imprisonment for a term of three years or more without the option of a fine, or if they have held office in or been actively engaged in the activities of any political party since ceasing to hold office.
Former CS Justin Muturi.
Photo credit: . Lucy Wanjiru | Nation Media Group
Gladys Boss, the Deputy Speaker, said that there is no way the government can pay individuals who misled young people into taking to the streets and causing mayhem.
“Shame on you Chief Justice Maraga. You are currently on a pension paid by the government, they pay for your cars, pay for gardeners, cook then you to the streets to demonstrate to mislead our children to destroy people’s properties,” Ms Boss said.
Dadaab MP Farah Maalim said by joining the demonstrators, Maraga has lost the respect he used to enjoy from Kenyans.
“Anybody who is a dignified retired politician who has pension on the basis of the position he held like a speaker or in the judiciary or a politician who is a former president or former prime minister and gets involved in these kinds of things we should make laws that ensure he does not enjoy such perks again,” Mr Maalim said.
Majority Whip Silvanus Osoro said there is an urgent need to review payments of pension to individuals who are still actively participating in politics.
“We need to look at the pension paid to the retired officers, Mr Muturi earns more than Sh1 million from taxpayers, Maraga and Musyoka earn a lot of money. That law must be reviewed, they need not earn when they are participating in such activities,” Mr Osoro said.
Ainamoi MP Benjamin Langat said during the passage of the law, there was a caveat that beneficiaries should not participate in political activities.
“I now want the executive to remove the vehicles and salaries of former deputy president Kalonzo Musyoka, retired CJ Maraga because they are now engaging in anarchy and politics. They either enjoy retirement or play politics,” Mr Langat said.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Photo credit: Lucy Wanjiru | Nation Media Group
Mr Musyoka served as the Vice President between 2008-2013, Mr Maraga served as the Chief Justice between 2016 to 2021 while Mr Muturi served as the speaker of the National Assembly for the 11th and 12th Parliament until 2022
Under the law, the three are entitled to a monthly pension equal to 80 per cent of the monthly salary of the entitled person's last monthly salary while in office and a lump sum payment on retirement, calculated as a sum equal to one year's salary paid for each term served in office.
They are also entitled to one saloon vehicle of an engine capacity not exceeding 2000 cc which shall be replaceable once every four years, one four-wheel drive vehicle of an engine capacity not exceeding 3000cc which shall be replaceable once every four years and a fuel allowance equal to 15 percent of current monthly salary of the office holder.
Under the law, they are also entitled to full medical and hospital cover, providing for local and overseas treatment, with a reputable insurance company for the entitled person, the entitled person's spouse and the entitled person's child who is below 18 years or is under 25 years of age and is undergoing a course of full-time education.
