Kenyan Members of Parliament (MPs) have voted to give themselves a significant salary increase just one day after President Ruto acknowledged criticisms of extravagant government expenditures. This decision comes despite growing calls from young Kenyans to streamline government offices and cut unnecessary costs.
President Ruto recently responded to public pressure by agreeing to scrap several government offices deemed redundant, aiming to curb excessive spending. However, the decision by the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) to grant additional perks to top house leaders has left many citizens dismayed.
Key beneficiaries of the salary raise include Speaker Wetangula of the National Assembly, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wa, National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei, and Senate Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi.
Critics argue that at a time when ordinary Kenyans are grappling with economic hardships and inflation, such lavish increases for MPs are unjustifiable and insensitive. Social media platforms have erupted with outrage, with hashtags such as #MPsPayHike and #KenyansDeserveBetter trending as citizens express their frustration and disappointment.
The move has also reignited debates about accountability and transparency in government spending. Many are calling for stricter oversight measures to ensure that taxpayer money is used responsibly and in ways that benefit all citizens, not just political elites.
As the controversy deepens, civil society groups and opposition leaders are vowing to challenge the decision through legal and parliamentary channels, promising to hold MPs accountable for what they perceive as a blatant disregard for public opinion and fiscal prudence. The situation underscores the ongoing tension between elected officials and the electorate, highlighting the need for a more equitable distribution of resources and a renewed commitment to ethical governance in Kenya's political landscape.