LSK back SRC in support for MPs' slashed salaries

LSK backs decision by SRC to slash MPs salaries, argues that push by legislators to retain salaries is illegal and oppressive to taxpayers. [Photo: Courtesy]

Lawyers have supported a proposed pay cut for members of Parliament.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK), in its reply to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), argued that the push by MPs to retain the salaries earned by their predecessors was illegal and oppressive to taxpayers.

According to LSK, MPs were given a chance to negotiate their salaries and engaged SRC through the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC), and so should not complain about 'meagre' pay.

“The applicant (PSC) has employed a clever rhetoric to purport that it is complaining about the process whereas in substance it is complaining about the merits of the decision,” argued LSK lawyer Nzamba Kitonga.

High Court judge George Odunga heard that the salary scale of members of the 10th Parliament ceased to exist after the House was dissolved.

Temporary orders

LSK also faulted the court for issuing temporary orders for MPs to enjoy the old pay, saying it would be impossible to surcharge them in order to recover the money earned illegally.

The SRC accused MPs of deceit, saying they agreed to a salary cut on December 11, 2017, but did not disclose this to the court.

It emerged that PSC wanted MPs' salaries and allowances increased to match their counterparts in USA, United Kingdom, Singapore, Canada, New Zealand, and India.

The lawmakers claimed the cost of living had shot up and thus their salaries should be increased. But SRC argued that the MPs were aware of the new salary before they were elected.