President William Ruto of Kenya has ordered a review of proposed pay increases for members of the cabinet and parliament following widespread public outcry, effectively halting the plans.
This decision comes in the wake of mass protests that forced Mr. Ruto to withdraw a contentious finance bill featuring tax hikes just a week earlier.
Lyn Mengich, Chairperson of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), announced on Wednesday that the commission would “freeze” salary increases for state officers due to “current economic realities.”
Initially, the SRC had recommended a 2% to 5% pay rise for all state officials, including judges.
Criticism mounted as citizens questioned the rationale behind raising politicians’ salaries amid a perceived financial crisis exacerbated by high living costs.
The SRC’s reversal followed consultations with the National Treasury.
Public Service Minister Moses Kuria declared that the proposed increases would not be implemented for the cabinet, and Mr. Ruto himself abandoned tax increase plans after protesters voiced their inability to cope with additional financial burdens.
Lawmakers, including ruling coalition senator Aaron Cheruiyot, and opposition figures like MP Adan Keynan, voiced opposition to the pay raise proposal, deeming it out of touch with public sentiment.
Senator Edwin Sifuna echoed these sentiments, stating that higher salaries could not be justified “when the whole country is saying we need to lessen the taxpayer burden.”
Despite assertions from Samuel Njoroge, clerk of the National Assembly, that the SRC’s recommendations could not be overturned, President Ruto has instructed the treasury to reassess the notice.
A statement from his spokesperson emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility across all branches of government.
Last week’s demonstrations, primarily led by youth, marked Kenya’s largest protests since Mr. Ruto assumed office in 2022.
The protests expanded into calls for the president’s resignation and demands for accountability in the face of alleged police violence against protesters.
According to a state-funded rights commission, the unrest has resulted in 39 deaths over the past two weeks.
On Tuesday, protests escalated into chaos as shops and supermarkets were looted, prompting police to release images of 38 individuals wanted for alleged involvement in criminal activities during the protests.
Some protest organizers claimed that hired troublemakers had infiltrated their ranks, prompting a reevaluation of their strategy and consideration of calling off further demonstrations.
Source-BBC
