Lang’ata Member of Parliament Felix Odiwuor, also known as Jalang’o, has criticized the recent salary increase by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), calling it a setup against legislators amid public unrest. In August 2023, the SRC published a list of salary increments for all state officers except the president and his deputy as part of its third review cycle, with the changes taking effect from July 1, 2024.
Jalang’o has announced that he is not interested in the salary increase, joining a number of other legislators who have also rejected the new salaries.
“There are things that almost look like a setup! We are in a crisis and SRC are proposing an increment of 14K! Yaani mnataka tupigwe tukufe ndio mfurahi? Mimi sitaki!,” Jalang’o wrote in a social media post.
Members of Parliament have recently faced public backlash after a majority voted ‘YES’ to the tax proposals in the 2024 Finance Bill. The bill not only sparked nationwide protests but also led to the destruction of several businesses owned by supportive MPs. In response to the protests, President William Ruto rejected the bill in its entirety, sending it back to parliament for amendments.
The salary increase for legislators and state officials has further angered Kenyans, as it was one of the issues protesters demanded the government address. President Ruto has promised austerity measures to address the gaps left by the rejection of the Finance Bill 2024 proposals.
These measures include scrapping unconstitutional offices, such as the office of the First Lady. Additionally, Ruto has stated that his government will focus on key projects in the 2024/2025 financial year.
