Otiende Amollo – I have never been broke like I am now as MP

Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo has sensationally claimed that he has never been broke as he currently is, as a Member of Parliament.

Speaking on NTV’s AM Live, the vocal MP, who is also a lawyer, said that he had served in different public offices including being an Ombudsman, and he was never that broke.

“I’ve served in the Committee of Experts, I have been the Ombudsman and I have been in private practice before this, I have never been as broke as I am now as a Member of Parliament,” said Amollo.

He went on to state several privileges other state officials enjoy, are better than those of MPs, as they discussed reports that they (MPs) were demanding a total of 17 allowances that would raise their monthly pay to Sh2.9 million from the current Sh1.1 million.

Kiambu Senator Kimani Matangi ece-auto-gen

Otiende’s sentiments were supported by Kiambu Senator Kimani wa Matangi who was also in the panel that included Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot and former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale.

According to Senator Matangi, he spends all his earnings from parliament, including what he makes from his private businesses on his people.

“The little money that I have earned personally, and I agree with him (Otiende) entirely, I spent all of it and more of what I make out of my private endeavours absolutely on social welfare in my County and elsewhere,” said Kimani Wamatangi.

The Legislators who were discussing issues surrounding their salary increment demands to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) denied making any such demands. They went ahead to blame the media for exaggerating on its reports.

MPs demand 17 allowances (Daily Nation) Pulse Live Kenya

17 allowances

This was after a report by a local daily mentioned that the MPs demanded to be accorded 17 allowances which included reinstating earlier allowances received in parliamentary commissions after they were reduced by the SRC.

The MPs want to have car grants increased from the current Sh5 million to Sh10 million, have optical and dental health benefits of Sh100,000 each and have at least two spouses and five children covered under the same.

They also want to have MPs who serve for one term to get gratuity of 31 percent of their basic pay at the end of their term and a refund of their contributions without interest, among others.