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The Nairobian

Ousted Murkomen, Kihika to lose hefty perks and privileges

Ureport

By Nzioka Justin | May 12, 2020

Outgoing Senate Majority Leader Senator Kipchumba Murkomen, and outgoing Senate Majority-whip Senator Susan Kihika are now staring at the reality of losing all benefits that come with their previously held positions.

The two Senate leaders met their ouster on Monday, following a meeting between the president and some senators affiliated to the Jubilee party.

The yesterday's meeting resolved that the duo be replaced by Senator Samuel Poghisio for the Majority leader and Senator Irungu Kang'ata for the Majority-whip.

The two will lose not only their positions but also every benefit that comes with holding such posts. These include security, high pay, government-serviced vehicles, offices, and government-paid staff.

As stated by the National Assembly's Minority leader, and ODM Party Chair Hon. John Mbadi, Majority and Minority leaders pocket slightly over 0.2 million salaries above their colleagues. Additionally, they are also entitled to 0.138 million as responsibility allowances.

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"It is about Sh400,000 above other members. Those officeholders also have staff hired for them, including a researcher, policy analyst, and a legal officer. There is also a secretary, personal assistant, and an office assistant," revealed Mr. Mbadi.

The ODM chair also revealed that all those benefits are lost once one loses the position. In addition, all their staffs become jobless since they personally chose them, while the vehicles are handed over to the government.

According to Mr. Mbadi, the ouster will also highly affect their pensions, which are usually based on someone's last basic salary. The words of Mr. Mbadi were echoed by former Deputy Minority leader Jakoyo Midiwo, who stated that the offices elevate one slightly above the rest.

"...the offices put you slightly above your colleagues, and come with a lot of privileges...," noted Mr. Midiwo. Defending the duo's ouster, Jubilee's Vice Chair, David Murathe, stated the two had become great opponents for the ruling party.