MPS’ defy Commission’s move to slash their salaries

Members of parliament have demanded that there other wives, children born out of wedlock and girlfriends be included in the insurance cover.

The matter was raised by Budalang’i Member of Parliament Raphael Wanjala to the applause of his colleagues at the end of their induction in Nairobi. The law makers who unanimously agreed that the politics of NASA and Jubilee should not separate them also demanded for a reinstatement of the annual ksh 5 million car grant, sitting allowance of sh5000 and a comprehensive medical cover.

They opposed a report by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission which had recommended a reduction of their pay and that of other state officials. The report which was approved by SRC limits medical allowances of state and public officials to one spouse and four children below 25 years.

The new salary scheme approved sh10 million in patient cover per family and 300,000 for outpatient. It further provided Sh 150000 for maternity and sh 75,000 for dental.

Other officers affected by the commission were the speaker of the Senate and National assembly whose salaries were slashed from sh 1.3 million to 1.2 million and Deputy Speakers from sh 1.05 million to sh 924,000.

Mr. Kaluma took issue with the new medical scheme saying that polygamy is permitted under the law and that all lawful wives and children should be cared for. Member of parliament Dr. Wamalwa said the decision to slash their salaries was unconstitutional.