I earn Sh640 after deductions — Senator Wamatangi

Kiambu Senator Kimani Wamatangi on Tuesday revealed that he takes home only Sh640 after deductions.

The Senator was speaking during an interview on a local TV station where he added that he uses the little money he makes to improve the lives of people in his area.

“As Wamatangi, since 2013 I have never been paid a single allowance of mileage even when on official duty outside Nairobi.

“The loans MPs take are deducted from their salaries. My pay slip now reads Sh640 after deductions.

“If I did not have a business my children would live in a house but would not eat,” he said.

Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, on his part, said he has never been as broke as he is now, adding that since he was elected he has hardly bought anything.

"I have been the Ombudsman and I have been in public practice, I have never been broke like I am now as an MP.

“By the time I was elected, I already had my house in Nairobi, but since I got into office I haven't bought a house, I've hardly bought anything.

"Anything you get as an MP you use it on constituents for the first seven days you are elected," he remarked.

The leaders were discussing the new perks sought by MPs which might see them take home huge sums of money.

In 2017, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), which is in charge of reviewing salaries and allowances of State and public officers, reduced the basic pay for MPs from Sh710,000 to Sh621,000.

However, their allowances have since gone up. Chairpersons of committees earn Sh15,000 per sitting, their deputies earn Sh12,000 and ordinary members pocket Sh7,000.

They are also entitled to car grants, a Sh20m mortgage, car maintenance and a Sh10m medical cover (restricted to one spouse and four children).