This archive report was first published on 7 July 2019.
Comedian Njugush has joined the chorus of Kenyans criticizing Members of Parliament over their proposed 'domestic subsistence facilitation' allowance. The move, which could see MPs earn up to 18,200 KES per night of parliamentary attendance, has sparked outrage among citizens who struggle to make ends meet.
Responding to a video of a man being arrested with 250,000 KES in cash, Njugush likened the individual to MPs, saying 'wanao-copper kuliko aluminum,, na wako bungeni' (those who are richer than aluminum, and are in parliament).
His fans have been quick to agree with his sentiments, with many taking to social media to express their disgust at the proposed allowance. One fan, @IamKelvinNganga, said 'true. Sasa wanaitisha night allowance where kila MP will be earning 96K a week na hakuna kazi wanafanya in their constituencies. Ne orimoo' (this is true. Now they are introducing a night allowance where each MP will earn 96K a week, and they do no work in their constituencies. What a shame).
Published on July 7, 2019, Njugush's comments have resonated with many Kenyans who feel that MPs are out of touch with the struggles of the common citizen.
