This archive report was first published on 9 July 2019.
July 9, 2019
Rarieda Member of Parliament Otiende Amollo has spoken out about the financial struggles he faces as an MP, revealing that he earns a salary of Sh500,000, which barely covers his expenses.
Speaking on NTV's AM Live show, Amollo stated that he has never been broke like he is now as an MP, despite having a house in Nairobi before his election.
"I have been the Ombudsman and I have been in public practice. I have never been broke like I am now as an MP," he remarked.
Amollo claimed that MPs use their earnings to support their constituents, and that the recent move by MPs to increase their perks is not justified.
He also criticized media reports that have condemned MPs as being greedy, saying that they are unfair and annoying.
Other panelists, including Kiambu Senator Kimani Wamatangi and Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot, defended the move to seek more perks, citing the high cost of living and the need to support their constituents.
However, former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale opposed the move, saying that some MPs live beyond their means and have a celebrity mentality.
