|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You Are
Here: |
Local News|
Monday, February 28, 2005 - Web posted at 10:53:37 GMT Kenyans angered by N$111 000 MP bonuses NAIROBI - Plans by Kenyan MPs to award themselves a N$111 000 bonus have outraged a country already reeling from a string of corruption allegations. |
|
One of the MPs' first acts after the last elections was to vote themselves a substantial pay rise. With generous allowances taken into account, they can now earn about N$49 500 a month, in a country where the majority of people live on less than N$6 a day. The committee has also recommended new constituency offices equipped with telephones, computers and at least five staff, paid for from taxes. MASSIVE LOOTING The British high commissioner, Sir Edward Clay, has attacked "massive looting" of public funds, and the United States and Germany suspended aid programmes when Kenya's anti-corruption tsar, John Githongo, resigned two weeks ago. He faxed his resignation letter from London and remains in hiding, apparently too frightened of reprisals to return to the country. The corruption issue has provoked a war of words between the outspoken British envoy and the government, which has described Clay as a liar and an enemy. Most Kenyans have sided with the diplomat, applauding his attacks on their politicians, who are seen to have failed to deliver their promises of the 2002 elections, which swept away president Daniel arap Moi. Although some MPs are opposed to the bonus, arguing that it will only enrage people at a time when rapid population growth and slow economic development are making most Kenyans poorer, the majority are in favour and have threatened to block this year's Budget if the proposal is not approved when the Parliament reopens next week. CHURCH LEADERS ANGERED The plan has angered church leaders, business and trade unions, particularly the teachers' union, which is locked in a protracted pay wrangle with the government. "We cannot take this lightly," said Francis Ng'ang'a, secretary general of the Kenya National Union of Teachers. Speaking to national newspapers, he said: "It is the height of arrogance for MPs to think only of themselves when everybody else is making sacrifices. "How do you reconcile the argument that there is no money to pay teachers all their dues and also employ more to teach the increased number of children in schools, when MPs are increasing their allowances and enjoying all sorts of luxurious facilities?" Church leaders joined the attack on Friday. The Right Reverend Cornelius Korir, the Catholic Bishop of Eldoret, said: "The level of corruption in the current government is worse than in the previous regime. The MPs have abdicated their responsibilities and are now championing their self-interests." The increasingly unhappy mood of the country has been reflected in aggressive editorials in the press. In a leader on Friday, the Nation made a scathing attack on Parliament. "The house is known more for adjournments, poor level of debates, myopic and partisan voting patterns and general lethargy," it said. "Yet for that poor performance, they earn hefty salaries and allowances that put to shame even some of the most hardworking executives of profitable companies." Ministers declined to comment on the dispute, saying it is a matter for Parliament. The MPs' demands for extra perks usually coincide with the Budget vote, when they have extra leverage. - Guardian Unlimited |
|
||||
PO Box 20783 - Windhoek - 42 John Meinert Street Tel: +264 (61) 279600 - Fax: +264 (61) 279602
|
