This archive report was first published on 19 July 2019.
Kenya's Members of Parliament (MPs) have been accused of sparking a revolution with their recent proposals to increase their housing and night allowances.
According to Nerima Wako-Ojiwa, executive director of Siasa Place, the MPs' actions are a clear indication of their disconnect from the struggles of the ordinary Kenyan.
While MPs are pushing for increased allowances, many citizens are struggling to make ends meet, with some even resorting to betting to pay their rent.
The commercials of betting companies reveal a disturbing trend, with winners often citing paying school fees or building a home as their top priorities.
Wako-Ojiwa argues that the MPs' reasoning behind needing higher allowances is shortsighted and misses the point, as it fails to address the root cause of the problem – the lack of access to essential services for citizens.
She suggests that the MPs should use their collective energy to push for policies that would make citizens' lives more livable, rather than focusing on personal gain.
Wako-Ojiwa's comments come as a stark reminder of the dangers of greed and the importance of accountability in leadership.
As she notes, 'what do you think happens when the people you lead continue to suffer and struggle in poverty as your life continues to flourish?' The answer, she warns, is a revolution.
Wako-Ojiwa's words are a call to action for Kenyan MPs to reflect on their actions and prioritize the needs of their constituents.
As she says, 'learn from history and do not be like Marie Antoinette, flaunting your wealth as your people struggle to find a meal to eat.' The consequences of such actions, as we know, can be catastrophic.
Nerima Wako-Ojiwa is executive director of Siasa Place. Twitter: @NerimaW
