Prime Minister Raila Odinga addresses a crowd at a matatu stage in Nyeri Town as he campaigned for his presidential bid on January 10, 2013. Photo/JOSEPH KANYI NATION MEDIA GROUP
By ANTHONY KARIUKI
Posted Friday, January 11 2013 at 11:09
Posted Friday, January 11 2013 at 11:09
Prime Minister Raila Odinga has condemnedMPs hefty send off perks terming it as a betrayal to the people of Kenya.
Mr Odinga said he would advise President Kibaki to reject the package that includes, among other things, diplomatic passports for the legislators and their spouses, unfettered access to VIP lounges in Kenya's airports and a state funeral upon death.
"I have studied the Presidential Retirement Benefits (Amendment) Bill and the Retirement Benefits (Deputy President and Designated State Officers) Bill that were passed by Parliament a few days ago, and I completely object to them," said Mr Odinga in a statement Friday.
"The passage of these Bills amounts to treachery by Parliament. It is an attempt by MPs to blackmail, arm twist and even bribe the Executive in order to have their way," he said.
Mr Odinga said the MPs move will negate the achievements of the Tenth Parliament and the coalition government.
“The recommendations of the two Bills are unacceptable, unjustifiable and border on criminality,” said the PM.
He said the country is faced with a myriad of problems that should be addressed first before MPs think of lining their pockets at the expense of taxpayers.
In any case, Mr Odinga said, the country is not in position to pay each of the 222 MPs Sh9.m each in severance pay.
“In a nation struggling with hunger, insecurity, unemployment, wanting health services, rising cost of education and numerous other shortcomings, I find no words to explain and justify the proposed packages to our suffering citizens,” Mr Odinga said.
“This runaway greed and callousness must be condemned and rejected by all Kenyans. I condemn and reject this package. We neither need it, nor can we afford it,”
The PM said he would consult President Kibaki “to ensure that we do the right thing for the people of Kenya”.
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