Kanze Dena denies claims that Uhuru enjoys fully furnished office space

On Monday, June 10, 2024, Kanze Dena Mararo, the former spokesperson for the State House, dismissed allegations that ex-President Uhuru Kenyatta has access to an office space that is both fully furnished and maintained at the government’s expense.

In a press briefing, Dena clarified that the ex-president had personally selected, furnished, and equipped his office space.

“Contrary to the assertions that the third retired president is provided with a fully furnished government office, this claim is inaccurate as the issue regarding the office has yet to be settled or addressed,” Dena stated.

She emphasized that Uhuru Kenyatta is not benefiting from a government-furnished and maintained office as suggested by Isaac Mwaura, the spokesperson. Due to the lack of government action to finalize the office space matter, the former president took it upon himself to find, furnish, and equip an office at his own expense.

Dena also mentioned that the operations of the retired president’s office are currently sustained by Uhuru’s goodwill while they await official communication from the State House, following a formal request they submitted.

“We have formally requested the State House to evaluate the office identified by ex-President Kenyatta as appropriate for his post-presidential duties,” she disclosed.

However, the office has not received any formal response to this request. The only communication received was a text message from George Makumi, the then-responsible person, who provided an estimate for the property chosen by the former president. As a result, the office continues to function based on the goodwill of Uhuru Kenyatta while awaiting a decision from the State House.

Regarding the Nyari Office, Dena noted that it was chosen by the late ex-President Mwai Kibaki for his use.

“The Nyari office was handpicked by former President Mwai Kibaki for his personal use,” she explained.

She pointed out that it is widely known that the State House has designated the Nyari office as the sole office for the president’s use, given that it was purchased by the government.

In contrast, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, in a media address on Thursday, May 31, 2024, claimed that the government covers the expenses for a fully furnished office chosen by Uhuru Kenyatta, located at his official residence.

“The retired president has the privilege of a fully furnished office space of his preference, situated next to his residence by Denis Pritt at gate D, adjacent to the State House, which is fully financed by the government,” Mwaura stated.