Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has opposed calls by Members of Parliament to have salary increments, supporting President Uhuru Kenyatta, who said he won’t assent to the Bill that seeks to guarantee more benefits for the MPs. The Parliamentary Service Bill 2018 will ensure MPs pocket more benefits, including car and house allowances, and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission had warned that the Bill can lead to more demands from other government employees. “I’m not supporting the plan by MPs to increase their salaries,” affirmed Raila Odinga.
Speaking to residents in Kisumu, Raila bashed MPs who have used the excuse that they have two or three wives and therefore, have a heavy responsibility to shoulder, “If you are married to more than one wife, then the load is yours, carry it alone,” he said. He added that MPs should carry their own burden, “You can’t give Kenyans the burdens you brought upon yourself, because the donkey is now tired.”
The Bill has face opposition from Kenyans, who see MPs as leaders who are only focused on their needs instead of serving Kenyans. President Kenyatta had earlier opposed the Bill, saying he won’t sign it, and that it’s evident Kenyans don’t support it either. He urged elected leaders to focus on delivering services for their constituents instead.