Speaker Muturi approves Ababu’s motion to cut Uhuru, MPs salaries by half

The National Assembly Speaker has termed “unrealistic” an MP’s proposal to cut the salaries of President Uhuru Kenyatta and other senior government officials by half.

Justin Muturi approved the motion by Budalang’i MP Ababu Namwamba but said it is “populist, unrealistic, poorly thought out and only meant to excite teachers”.

Muturi added that it would not offer a long term solution to the teachers salary issue, that has resulted in a strike and the premature closure of schools.

The Speaker said he marked the motion for presentation to the House Business Committee, and that it should be prioritised.

He spoke during the launch of a parliamentary training institute in Karen, Nairobi county, on Tuesday.

Among the state officials whose salaries Ababu wants cut by 50 per cent are the DP, MPS, governors, senators, MCAs, commissioners and judges.

“I am aware this motion will be very unpopular in some quarters,” the MP said.

Ababu further said Parliament will initiate a process of reviewing the establishment of public service outlets in counties to avoid duplication.

This followed Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko’s declaration that he would file a motion for cuts of a similar rate for senators.

The Senator said he is ready to take a 50 per cent salary cut to enable teachers receive their salary hike.

• the-star.co.ke

Speaker Muturi approves Ababu’s motion to cut Uhuru, MPs salaries by half