Kibaki’s refusal to sign MPs sendoff perks Bill praised

Leaders and lawyers have welcomed President Kibaki’s refusal to sign into law a Bill proposing hefty send-off perks for MPs.

Federation of Women Lawyers (Fida-Kenya) on Sunday termed the passing of Retirement Benefits (Deputy President and Designated State Officers) Bill as extreme contempt of the Constitution.

“Parliamentarians’ action is unconstitutional, illegal, reckless and immoral in light of the country’s socio-economic melt down,” Chairperson Ruth Aura said.

Last week events in parliament, she said, were motivated by the lawmakers greed, self-conceited, self-absorbed and self-interested nature.

“The action is shameful in view of the of the fact that Parliament has not been keen on addressing the Tana River massacre, which haunts Kenyans to date,” Fida-K said in a statement.

MPs Fahim Twaha (Lamu West) and Abu Chiaba (Lamu East) separately praised the President for rejecting the House proposal.

Speaking in Lamu at the weekend, Mr Twaha and Mr Chiaba said they were not party to the legislation and backed its rejection.

“I don’t require a hefty package as I am satisfied with what I have. Mr Githae introduced the proposal for his own parochial interests hence tarnishing the image of all MPs,” claimed Mr Twaha.

Each MP would have received a Sh9.3 million send-off package if the proposed law had been approved by the President.

Catholic Bishop Dominc Kapsoi of St Monica Parish in Nakuru thanked the President for rejecting the MPs proposal.

Former State House Comptroller Matere Keriri said the move by MPs was selfish and praised the President for declining to assent to the proposed law.

“This is greed of the highest order and it is good that the President has heard the cry of citizens and refused to sign the controversial Bill,” Mr Keriri, who is eyeing the Kirinyaga senatorial seat, told TNA supporters at Kibingoti market.

Reported by Simon Siele, George Munene and Galgalo Bocha.