Mohammed Ali Makes First Announcement as MP

juma chrispinus

August 23, 2017 5:27 PM

This is what Ali had to say after this controversial topic hit headlines

Former KTN investigative journalist Mohammed Ali on Wednesday made his first announcement as Nyali MP since he won the just concluded General Election.

Mr. Ali was speaking on the salary increment for MPs which has been a controversial topic of discussion today.

The topic hit headlines after Homa Bay Woman Representative-elect Gladys Wanga rejected the new salary structure for legislators set by Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) Chairperson Sarah Serem.

Wanga emphasized that MPs will not accept anything less than the package legislators in the eleventh Parliament were taking home.

"There is a mission to demean MPs and reduce them to beggars, as was the case in the 1990's when elected leaders would on Friday's go begging in government offices. We will not stand up and watch as this plan is systematically executed," Wanga said.

However, commenting on the touchy issue Mr. Mohammed mentioned that he does not support salary increment for legislators.

“I, Mohamed Ali Mohamed do not support any move to increase my salary and that of my fellow elected Members of Parliament. I have fought for equality and fairness all through my career and my first move as a Parliamentarian will not be to enrich myself,” he said.

The newly elected MP opined that he will work to ensure that Kenyans get an opportunity to create wealth.

“40% of my countrymen live on an average of 10000 shillings or less. I do not see the purpose of an increment without ensuring that we create a legal framework for our countrymen to generate wealth FIRST. Count my vote against this,” the former Jicho Pevu reporter said.

Before the 11th Parliament was dissolved, Serem reduced the salary for MPs and Senators from Sh710,000 to Sh 621,000, and further scrapped the Sh5,000 sitting allowances paid to members for attending each plenary session.

SRC also removed all the allowances paid to committee members for attending respective House committees.

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