Parliament refutes claims that MPs pocket allowances meant for bodyguards, drivers
- Published By Jane Njeri For The Statesman Digital
- 1 week ago
This follows a report by Daily Nation noting that Speaker Moses Wetangula, during a National Assembly's leadership retreat in Nakuru, warned MPs from pocketing night-out allowances for their drivers and security teams.
National Assembly clerk Samuel Njoroge termed the report "false, inaccurate and sensational", clarifying that the report was written on illusory facts.
He clarified that bodyguards and drivers have not received allowances since the Finance Bill 2024 was rejected and Parliament's budget was significantly reduced.
"The items affected by the reduction included foreign and domestic travel, purchase of equipment, hospitality and the allocation for constituency offices, which includes the said allowances for bodyguards and drivers attached to MPs," read a statement in part.
Njoroge added that the cash strain for bodyguards and drivers was also factored in the 2024/2025 fiscal year.
"The allowances are therefore not available as alleged in the misguided newspaper article...there is, therefore, no possibility for a Member of Parliament to appropriate an allowance that does not exist," the statement added.
Drivers and bodyguards attached to MPs have been receiving allowances to facilitate the performance of their official duties as per the Parliamentary Service Commission's policy.
The clerk elucidated that no formal complaints on denial or misappropriation of the allowances were made during the period.
Njoroge further claimed that the matter in question was not on the retreat's agenda.
In the report, Wetangula warned legislators from pocketing the referenced allowances, noting that it would have dire ramifications.
"You can imagine if your bodyguard calls you a thief and says you stole him money for all the five years," he said as quoted.
"From what I have found out, a majority of the MPs do not want to touch that money and I will advise you not to, for the simple reason that it will create problems for you."
Share on
SHARE YOUR COMMENT
MORE STORIES FOR YOU
Trending Stories
DJ Mo’s former illicit lo...
- Published By Jane
- January 15, 2024
Mapenzi! Zari and Tanasha...
- Published By Jane
- October 24, 2023
Zuchu Speaks on Diamond P...
- Published By Jane
- October 12, 2023
Hio Ni Upumbavu Wasituche...
- Published By Jane
- November 8, 2023
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
How to deal with a silent...
- Published By Jedida
- October 16, 2024
How to set yourself up fo...
- Published By Jedida
- October 16, 2024
Postpartum Hemorrhage: Si...
- Published By Jedida
- October 16, 2024
Study reveals long term e...
- Published By Jedida
- October 16, 2024
Latest Stories
“I call upon all EAC Part...
- Published By Jedida
- December 8, 2024
President Ruto announces...
- Published By Jedida
- December 8, 2024
La Liga: Real Madrid thra...
- Published By Jedida
- December 8, 2024
EPL 24/25: Crystal Palace...
- Published By Jedida
- December 8, 2024