President Kenyatta slams MPs over pay rise demands

President Kenyatta slams MPs over pay rise demands

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday lashed out at Members of Parliament over their bid to have their salaries and benefits increased saying he will not ascent to the Parliamentary Service Commission bill.

The President, speaking at a rally in Ndenderu, Kiambu County, after attending a function for the graduation of former alcohol addicts said he sides with Kenyans on the issue.

Na mimi nitasema, najua wengine watakasirika na mimi, kuna mambo ingine watu wanajaribu kupitisha huko Bunge. Na mimi vile nimeskia wananchi wakisema, wanasema wamechoka na viongozi kujiongeza mishahara. Na mimi nasema, mimi naungana na wananchi, na marehe, nie no nga miguithia,” he said. (I have heard there are things some people are trying to pass in Parliament. I have heard wananchi saying they are tired of leaders increasing their own salaries and I am on the side of the wananchi. When they bring it (PSC bill) I will reject it.)

He asked leaders to stop being selfish and put the needs of Kenyans first.

“As leaders, we should not be more concerned about how to bring more wealth to ourselves, but should instead prioritize the needs of our people,” said President Kenyatta.

“Every leader has a responsibility to uplift the lives of the millions of Kenyans who look up to us as their leaders & representatives.”

The Head of State further urged fellow leaders to stop engaging in politics and focus on delivering their pre-election promises to the people of Kenya.

“Our people are yearning for more development that benefits them directly, solutions that will help them progress,” added Kenyatta.

“We must stop politicking everyday & come together as leaders to build our nation & to ensure we deliver to our people that which we promised them when they elected us.”

President Kenyatta’s jibe comes after opposition leader Raila Odinga on Sunday also slammed attempts by the legislators to raise their salaries saying it amounts to grand larceny and impunity.

In a statement to newsrooms, Mr. Odinga said the country is undergoing a difficult economic phase and such raises would only hurt Kenyans more.

“He (Odinga) therefore finds the Parliamentary Service Commission Bill a case of Grand Larceny and an anti-people and insensitive demand that should be disowned and rejected as inappropriate and unacceptable to a great majority of Kenyans if not all, at this time,” read the statement sent by Mr. Odinga’s spokesperson Dennis Onyango.

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raila odinga President Uhuru Kenyatta Kiambu County MPs pay rise

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