MPs defend Bill on new perks

The bill to anchor in law new allowances and benefits for MPs was on the floor of the National Assembly on Thursday where the legislators fiercely defended their push insisting they have no apologies to make to anyone.

The MPs now say they will ensure the Parliamentary Service Bill is passed within the next seven days.

The Bill will among other things award the MPs fuel allowances for their fuel guzzlers despite already drawing mileage allowance.

The bill will also establish an enhanced Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) to reconsider the MPs welfare including having house allowances despite them already having a mortgage facility of up to Ksh.20 million.

The lawmakers also want an expanded medical cover to include any second wives, travel allowances and an expanded constituency outreach operation kitty

“The Senate has it so we either both have the kitty or we don’t,” said Majority leader Aden Duale.

“SRC does not understand the challenges of MPs, we have two offices one at the constituency and one here,” said MP Chris Wamalwa.

Rallying behind the bill, the MPs defended demand for more allowances, saying if not anchored in law, the executive will always use it to arm twist Parliament into submission in backing government agenda.

The MPs are however proposing a recall clause of members appointed to the PSC should they turn rogue.

Staff in Parliament mirrors the composition of PSC and if not rectified the same employment pattern will continue.