MPs fight back in pay package row

MPs during a past session in Parliament. Photo/FILE

What you need to know:

  • Wajir West MP Adan Keynan disowned the contentious amendment to the Finance Act
  • Several MPs cited Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution chairman Charles Nyachae’s pay-package, demanding an explanation on how it was reached

MPs on Thursday vent out their anger on the floor of the House, vowing to fight for their Sh2.1 billion bonus which the President rejected on Tuesday. Read (Kibaki rejects MPs’ Sh2bn send-off pay)

They criticised the pay packages for commissioners in a move aimed at levelling down the ridicule they have been subjected over their “self-centredness”.

Wajir West MP Adan Keynan disowned the contentious amendment to the Finance Act that would have seen each one of them take home about Sh10 million as a send-off package at the end of their term.
The MP said it came from government and had the blessings of the President.

“I was only asked to do it on behalf of the minister of Finance and the amendment was there, it wasn’t my own amendment,” he said.

The MPs are now threatening to embark on a go-slow that includes refusing to approve the proposed VAT Act, which proposes new tax measures aimed at raising more cash for the Treasury.

“Do not bother, the House will not approve the proposed VAT Act, it is that simple,” said Yatta MP Charles Kilonzo.

Several MPs cited Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution chairman Charles Nyachae’s pay-package, demanding an explanation on how it was reached.

As they attempted to fight back accusations of self-centredness levelled against them by critics, they said they want to understand the rationale behind the remuneration of the commissioners, some of whom they said earn much more than they do.

Taxpayers spend a total of Sh123 million every month on commissioners in the new commissions set up in accordance with the Constitution, according to the Ministry of Finance. They include 72 commissioners and 98 judges.

Finance assistant minister Oburu Oginga said Sh71.7 million caters for their monthly salaries while Sh51 million covers their allowances.

Mr Nyachae earns a total of Sh1.24 million every month. This includes a basic salary of Sh849,360 and a house allowance of Sh140,000.

The rest comprises the extraneous, entertainment and domestic staff allowances. He has been among critics of the contentious MPs’ send-off package which he has termed unconstitutional.

Arguing that it was an issue with moral implications, the MPs argued that some of the commissioners have condemned MPs as greedy and self- seeking individuals yet they take home huge packages that no one has questioned.

The debate followed a question asked by Bonchari MP Charles Onyancha, who demanded a breakdown of the salaries pocketed by commissioners.

The MP had argued that a majority of the commissioners earn more than Sh1 million.

Temporary Speaker Joyce Laboso had a difficult time moderating the session and was forced to throw out two MPs — Belgut’s Charles Keter and Makadara’s Gideon Mbuvi.

The heated debate was marked by heckling and shouting as the MPs sought to contribute on the matter.

The debate came at the backdrop of a storm caused by last week’s attempt by MPs to award themselves a lucrative send-off package, which was rejected by President Kibaki.

Nyando MP Fred Outa argued that the remuneration of the commissioners must be made public, arguing that lawmakers have been on the receiving end over their pay package.

“The public needs to know how much they earn,” he said.