Muslim clerics threaten demonstrations against MPs’ pay rise

Religious leaders have threatened to join youth-led protests against the proposed salary increments for Members of Parliament, terming the move as insensitive to the financial struggles of ordinary Kenyans.

The Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) has vowed to mobilise nationwide demonstrations if the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) implements the controversial pay rise.

Speaking during Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations at Masjid Noor in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, the Council’s North Rift chairperson, Sheikh Abubakar Bini, said they would mobilise nationwide demonstrations alongside Gen Z protesters if the increments are implemented.

“It is unfortunate that our MPs do not empathise with taxpayers who are already burdened. If they are going to implement the salary increase, which is expected to translate to more than Sh4.4 billion, as elders and the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya, we are going to join Gen Zs in demonstrations against the MPs, the SRC, the PSC, and other institutions that are fronting salary increases for elected leaders,” Sheikh Bini said.

The SRC has awarded all 416 MPs and senators a fixed mileage allowance of Sh366,011 per month, amounting to Sh152.26 million monthly or Sh1.82 billion annually. Sheikh Bini called on Kenyans to stand up for good governance and urged Gen Z protesters to remain resilient while following legal avenues to demand their rights.

“Demonstrations and slogans by young people such as ‘Ruto Must Go’ emanate from actions like those of the SRC, which is appeasing MPs by increasing their salaries despite the economic hardships Kenyans are facing. MPs want to fill their stomachs at the expense of suffering Kenyans,” he said.

He warned that if Parliament fails to listen to public outcry, legislators must be ready to face nationwide protests, including participation from elderly citizens who are prepared to take to the streets.

Sheikh Bini also urged the government to stop victimising Gen Z protesters and instead listen to their grievances.

Despite mounting opposition, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has defended the SRC’s decision, accusing critics of playing populist politics.

“They wanted to set up MPs against the public when they published the normal annual increment of MPs’ salaries during the Gen Z protests. MPs, like other Kenyans, deserve a pay rise,” Ichung’wah said in remarks directed at the new SRC team on January 17.

"Unfairly treated"

National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed echoed his sentiments, stating that lawmakers have been unfairly treated by the previous SRC team.

“The SRC thinks MPs are a bunch of jokers. They assume we are just enjoying security, air-conditioned offices, and a good time. I challenge them to address wage bill disparities in the public service,” Junet said.

The SRC, chaired by Sammy Chepkwony, also includes Dr Gilda Odeya, Jane Njage, Leonid Ashiundu, Geoffrey Omondi, Martin Kizito, and Mohamed Abdi.

However, some legislators have distanced themselves from the proposed pay rise, which was set to take effect today. Nyandarua Senator John Methu, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka are among those rejecting the increment.

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“We never asked for any salary increment. Let that money be channelled to the needy children,” Onyonka said.

Methu confirmed the offer but made it clear he had rejected it, stating that the timing of the pay rise was inappropriate and would add to the financial burden of taxpayers. He also emphasised that he had never made such a request to the SRC.

“The SRC has given me an increase of Sh366,000 starting in April, however, I never asked for an increase from SRC. I don’t want my salary to be increased. I will be writing an official letter to that effect, and I’m urging all my colleagues to do the same,” Methu wrote on X.

He further urged his fellow legislators to reject the increase in light of President William Ruto’s call for reduced government spending, describing the raise as untimely and counterproductive.

Sifuna also distanced himself from the reports, calling on National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula to provide clarification on the issue.

“I want you (Speaker Moses Wetang'ula) to confirm whether no Member of Parliament has requested for a salary hike; we have not asked for a pay rise. So, on such matters, we hope you will clear on them. Kazi ya SRC ni tofauti na kazi ya Bunge,” Sifuna said.