By Patrick Muthuri and Peter Opiyo

Meru, Kenya: The Njuri Ncheke Council of Elders has censured Igembe South MP Mithika Linturi for advocating for the disbandment of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).

Council Chairman Paul M’Ethinkia and Secretary General Phares Rutere opposed Linturi’s move, terming it a “shocking display of unwarranted greed”.

But even as they spoke, the MP was confident the petition would be on the floor of the House tomorrow and the MPs would give it a nod.

The petition that was filed with the Clerk of the National Assembly last week questions whether a constitutional commission has the power to amend an Act of Parliament or whether a constitutional commission has power to make laws.

The petition targets the Salaries commission, which revised the MPs’ pay from Sh851,000 to Sh532,500, and MPs argue it has violated the Constitution and other laws governing remuneration of MPs.

Monday, the elders lauded President Uhuru Kenyatta’s pledge to reduce the country’s wage bill while criticising Linturi.

Recall mps

“Linturi was in the frontline campaigning for Uhuru in Meru region. We are surprised that he is going against the President who has termed Kenya’s wage bill as very high,” they said.

Speaking at a Press conference in Meru, Rutere warned that if the MPs continue with the clamour for higher salaries, Kenyans may be forced to invoke the MPs’ recall clause as per the Constitution.

“MPs should concentrate on addressing problems affecting constituents rather than salaries,” M’Ethinkia said.

M’Ethinkia advised Linturi, who is also the Council’s elder, to instead consult with the President to avoid causing cracks in the Jubilee Government.

“Linturi should consult Uhuru on the matter for a long lasting solution. The Jubilee MPs should support the President in his endeavour to improve the economy. The petition may build the opposition’s arsenal against the Government,” he argued.

MPs argue the National Assembly Salaries and Remuneration Act set the salaries and allowances payable to MPs and that the commission cannot purport to amend the Act through a gazette notice.