Kenyans have been left stunned by explosive revelations from former nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba, who disclosed that Members of Parliament and Senators receive up to Ksh.160,000 (approximately $1,300) per day in allowances when travelling abroad, particularly to destinations like the United States.

Orwoba made these startling revelations during a candid interview on “Iko Nini,” a popular radio show hosted by Clement Otieno, aired on Tuesday, 15th July 2025.

Her comments, which were later amplified on social media have quickly sparked widespread outrage, reigniting longstanding concerns over government wastage and unchecked parliamentary excesses.

Orwoba painted a damning picture of how elected leaders allegedly drain the public purse through "official trips" that she suggested are more luxurious than genuinely necessary.

“When an MP travels to the USA, they receive Ksh.160,000 per day in allowances,” she revealed. “Multiply that by ten days and you're looking at Ksh.1.6 million per legislator—just to attend conferences that sometimes add no real value.”

The figure instantly became a lightning rod online. X user @McSirkal posted, “Kenyan MPs earn Ksh.160,000 per day as allowance when they travel to the USA. This is insane!!” 

The timing of the revelation couldn't be more sensitive – coming just weeks after the killing of activist Boniface Kariuki during June 2025’s economic protests, where thousands took to the streets demanding transparency, equity, and justice from the government.

A History of Excessive Allowances and Public Disillusionment

Public service allowances have long been a contentious issue in Kenya. A 2019 exposé by Mwakilishi.com previously revealed that MPs had awarded themselves over Ksh.70,000 weekly in “Domestic Subsistence Facilitation”—a domestic night allowance scheme already deemed excessive.

While some critics have questioned Orwoba’s timing—given that she was removed from the Senate in May 2025 over misconduct allegations—many others argue that the financial figures she presented speak for themselves, irrespective of her personal history.

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“Forget her motives. The rot is real,” one user posted, echoing a sentiment of disillusionment. “We now have proof of how MPs siphon millions from taxpayer funds in the name of travel.”

However, not all reactions were supportive of Orwoba's intent. @THEEALFAHOUSE wrote, “The info is of no use. When Gloria was among them, she said nothing. Now it’s bitterness disguised as truth.” 

Despite any scepticism over her intentions, the core financial revelations are difficult to ignore. If each legislator takes just three international trips a year—averaging 10 days per trip—the taxpayer could potentially be footing a Ksh.4.8 million annual travel allowance bill per lawmaker, and that figure excludes airfare, accommodation, and other numerous perks.

With 416 legislators in the National Assembly and Senate combined, this could potentially amount to over Ksh.2 billion annually in just per diem allowances for international travel.