MPs to meet salaries team as Uhuru cautions leaders

MPs are to meet the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to resolve the row over their pay.

In what appeared to be toning down of their earlier tough stance not to rescind their move to increase their salaries, the MPs said they would rely on the Parliamentary Service Act and the Constitution to chart the way forward.

President Kenyatta, who has backed the Sarah Serem-led SRC in reviewing MPs’ salaries, is said to have met top Jubilee leaders who have been vocal in agitating for higher pay and ordered them to “go slow on the matter.”

National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi who is also PSC chairman said Parliament would respect other government institutions and constitutional commissions like SRC.

The civil society and other Kenyans, Mr Muturi said during swearing in of new PSC members, were free to “riot or picket” over MPs salaries.

The civil society has threatened to stage demonstrations dubbed “Occupy Parliament Reloaded” next week on Tuesday to put more pressure on MPs to rescind their move to increase their pay.
“We will make a decision in accordance with the Constitution and the PSC Act.

The decision will be made by the committee (PSC) which as you see is comprised of responsible leaders of the country,” Mr Muturi said.

The new PSC members are Mr Muturi, MPs Jimmy Angwenyi, Gladys Wanga, Regina Nyeris, and senators Beth Mugo, David Musila and Sammy Leshore.

Another member of PSC is to be appointed by Parliament from among persons who are experienced in public affairs, but are not members of Parliament. The Clerk of the Senate is the Secretary to the Commission. The Commission is responsible for providing services and facilities to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of Parliament; constituting offices in the parliamentary service, and appointing and supervising office holders.