Muslim clerics join calls against MPs’ salary increase

Muslim religious leaders have declared their support for youth-led demonstrations against the proposed salary increment for Members of Parliament, arguing that the move disregards the struggles of ordinary Kenyans.

The Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) has warned that it will mobilize nationwide protests if the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) proceeds with the controversial pay adjustment.

Speaking during Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations at Masjid Noor in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, the Council’s North Rift chairperson, Sheikh Abubakar Bini, stated that religious leaders would stand alongside Gen Z protesters if the pay rise is implemented.

“It is unfortunate that our MPs do not empathize with taxpayers who are already burdened. If they are going to implement the salary increase, which is expected to translate to more than Sh4.4 billion, as elders and the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya, we are going to join Gen Zs in demonstrations against the MPs, the SRC, the PSC, and other institutions that are fronting salary increases for elected leaders,” Sheikh Bini said.

The SRC has awarded all 416 MPs and senators a fixed mileage allowance of Sh366,011 per month, adding up to Sh152.26 million monthly and Sh1.82 billion annually.

Sheikh Bini urged Kenyans to push for good governance and encouraged Gen Z protesters to persist in their efforts while following legal means to demand their rights.

“Demonstrations and slogans by young people such as ‘Ruto Must Go’ emanate from actions like those of the SRC, which is appeasing MPs by increasing their salaries despite the economic hardships Kenyans are facing. MPs want to fill their stomachs at the expense of suffering Kenyans,” he said.

He cautioned that if Parliament ignored public opposition, legislators should prepare for widespread protests that would include elderly citizens taking to the streets.

Sheikh Bini also called on the government to stop targeting Gen Z protesters and instead listen to their grievances.

Divided opinions among MPs

Despite growing opposition, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has backed the SRC’s decision, dismissing critics as playing to public sentiment.

“They wanted to set up MPs against the public when they published the normal annual increment of MPs’ salaries during the Gen Z protests. MPs, like other Kenyans, deserve a pay rise,” Ichung’wah said on January 17.

National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed echoed these views, arguing that MPs have been unfairly treated by the previous SRC team.

“The SRC thinks MPs are a bunch of jokers. They assume we are just enjoying security, air-conditioned offices, and a good time. I challenge them to address wage bill disparities in the public service,” Junet said.

The SRC, chaired by Sammy Chepkwony, includes Dr Gilda Odeya, Jane Njage, Leonid Ashiundu, Geoffrey Omondi, Martin Kizito, and Mohamed Abdi.

However, some lawmakers have distanced themselves from the pay rise, which was set to take effect today.

Nyandarua Senator John Methu, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, and Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka are among those rejecting the increase.