The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) said the move is aimed at cushioning senior government officials from the effects of increased taxes under the Finance Act 2023.

According to National Assembly Minority leader Opiyo Wandayi, the proposal by SRC is ill-informed as ordinary Kenyans are suffering as a result of the current hard economic times.

“They want to increase the salaries of senior persons like MPs and the President while Kenyans are suffering, teachers, police and public servants are suffering. Azimio rejects the salary increment, let them use the money to save Kenyans,” Wandayi said on Monday.

Suna West MP Peter Masara accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of trying to lure members of parliament through salary increment but warned that they are not interested in any pay rise when the people that they represent are languishing in abject poverty.

The lawmaker challenged President William Ruto to fulfil the promises that he gave to Kenyans during the campaign period before he can think of trying to bribe the MPs through salary hikes.

The MPs spoke in Ugunja constituency where Nyando MP Jared Okello took issue with the President for signing the Finance Bill 2023 into law, warning that they risk losing the entire Finance Act 2023.

Okello lamented that government has gone ahead to increase the Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel from 8% to 16% despite the conservatory orders. He called on the High Court to take judicial notice of such contempt.

On his part, Siaya governor James Orengo warned that should the Kenya Kwanza administration continue with the implementation of Finance Act 2023, then they shall face the wrath of the people.

By Fred Odanga Azelwa.