Raila, Kalonzo pension case set for October

Nasa presidential candidate Raila Odinga addresses a rally at 64 Stadium in Eldoret town on July 26, 2017. He said President Uhuru Kenyatta abused his powers by rejecting the Retirement Benefits (Deputy President and Designated State Officers) Bill, 2013. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • MPs had at the time agreed to give a sendoff package to Mr Odinga and Mr Musyoka.
  • Mr Kenyatta wanted Mr Odinga and Mr Musyoka to retire from active politics to get the package.

A case filed by the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy challenging President Uhuru Kenyatta’s failure to assent to a Bill that would have handed political leaders Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka a hefty retirement package will be heard in October.

Appearing before Justice George Odunga on Thursday, the parties agreed that they can present their case before a three-judge Bench on October 5.

PAY PACKAGE
In the suit, Cord is challenging the rejection of the Bill by President Kenyatta, after it was passed by the National Assembly in 2015.

MPs had at the time agreed to give a sendoff package to Mr Odinga and Mr Musyoka, as well as other retired State officers.

POLITICS
But President Kenyatta returned the Retirement Benefits (Deputy President and Designated State Officers) Bill, 2013, with amendments.

Mr Kenyatta wanted Mr Odinga and Mr Musyoka to retire from active politics to get the package.

POWER ABUSE

Parliament could not marshal the two-thirds number required to overturn the President’s memorandum, clearing the way for the Bill to become law.

But the two leaders argue that President Kenyatta abused his powers by rejecting the Bill.