Photo: Courtesy
Lang’ata Member of Parliament Felix Odiwuor, aka Jalang’o, has criticized the recent salary increment by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), calling it a setup against legislators amid public unrest.
In August 2023, SRC published a list of salary increments for all state officers except the president and his deputy as part of its third review cycle, which took effect from July 1, 2024.
Jalang’o has stated that he is not interested in the increment, aligning himself with several other legislators who have also rejected the new salaries.
Jalang’o expressed his frustration in a social media post, stating,
“There are things that almost look like a setup! We are in a crisis and SRC is proposing an increment of 14K! Do you want us to be beaten to death before you are happy? I do not want this!”
Recently, Members of Parliament faced public backlash after a majority voted ‘YES’ to tax proposals in the 2024 Finance Bill.
This decision sparked nationwide protests and led to the destruction of businesses belonging to supportive MPs.
The widespread demonstrations prompted President William Ruto to completely reject the Bill, sending it back to parliament for revisions.
The proposed salary increment for legislators and state officials has also sparked anger among Kenyans, adding to the grievances voiced during the protests.
In response, President Ruto has pledged austerity measures to address the financial gaps left by the rejected Finance Bill.
These measures include eliminating unconstitutional offices, such as that of the First Lady, and focusing government resources on key projects for the fiscal year 2024/2025.
