This archive report was first published on 10 July 2019.
On July 9, 2019, Rarieda Member of Parliament Otiende Amollo appeared on NTV's AM Live show to discuss the recent controversy surrounding MPs' pay rise demands.
Amollo, a former Ombudsman and public practice lawyer, stated that he has never been broke like he is now as an MP, despite earning Sh500,000 per month.
He claimed that MPs use their earnings to benefit their constituents, and that the media's blanket condemnation of MPs as being greedy is unfair.
Amollo also explained that MPs take loans, which are deducted from their salaries, leaving them with little to no disposable income.
He cited his own experience, saying that his payslip now reads Sh640 after deductions, which he uses to improve the lives of people in his area.
Other panelists, including Kiambu Senator Kimani Wamatangi and Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot, defended the move to seek more perks, while former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale opposed it.
