Assembly rejects push to have ex-MPs get Sh200,000 monthly stipend

Petitioner Kennedy Epalat after presenting the petition to Busia Assembly clerk Allan Mabuka. [Ignatius Odanga, Standard]

A petition seeking formulation of a law requiring the executive to create a kitty for former MPs has suffered a setback.

This follows the Busia county assembly’s rejection, saying it does not fall under its jurisdiction.

In a letter dated March 18 to petitioner Kennedy Epalat, Clerk Allan Mabuka says prayers sought by the former do not fall within the purview of the functions of the county government.

Mabuka said it will be hard for the prayers to be implemented by the county government. He directed Epalat to petition the National Assembly instead.

Epalat’s petition was influenced by the type of life former MPs are leading.

He said they are languishing in poverty and footing their medical bills is a problem.

In response, the petitioner pleaded with the assembly in a letter dated March 22, 2019, to look into the plight of former MPs James Osogo, Oduya Oprong and former member of Legco Antony Omondi from Butula constituency.

“I respect your stance on the petition but I request you seek an immediate way forward to the three as they require urgent medical attention,” Epalat’s letter says.

Osogo and Oduya are former MPs for Budalang’I and Amagoro respectively. They are ailing after suffering mild stroke.

Epalat from Amagoro said he will not stop until the former MPs get some stipend and health insurance cover.

“The families of the ailing former legislators are struggling to pay their medical bills. There must be a way that either county or national government can help.”

In the petition, he wants at least each former MP to get a monthly stipend of upto Sh200, 000 plus health insurance cover.