Site logo

Politics Isn’t a Joke: Junet Fires Back at SRC’s Criticism of Politicians

Being a politician is no easy task, yet according to National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) continues to treat political leaders as if their work is a mere joke.

During a session on Thursday, where lawmakers approved a new seven-member SRC panel headed by Samuel Chepkwony, Mohamed passionately defended the complexities of politics, which he describes as “a calling” rather than a comfortable profession.

“It’s a very difficult job, but many outside the political world think it’s a walk in the park,” the Suna East MP remarked. “You have to constantly think about your constituents, the well-being of Kenyans, and ensure that the right laws are passed. We work hard, yet SRC seems to believe we are just jokers sitting in air-conditioned rooms, talking without purpose.”

Mohamed urged the SRC to take a more comprehensive approach when setting policies on political salaries, advising them not to be swayed by public opinion or fall into the trap of thinking that criticizing politicians would make them popular.

Despite his criticisms, Mohamed also acknowledged the need for wage equality across the country, stressing that even those in lower-cadre jobs deserve fair compensation.

“It’s important that the lower-level workers feel they’re valued and paid fairly, just like the highest earners,” he added.

His remarks sparked a response from Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, who took aim at the previous SRC under Lyn Mengich for what he described as populist decisions that worsened public sentiment against MPs.

Ichung’wah particularly called out the timing of a gazette notice that saw MPs receive a salary increment amid nationwide protests over the high cost of living and the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024.

“The timing of that gazette notice was highly suspicious. It seemed like an attempt to play populist politics, further turning Kenyans against us,” Ichung’wah said. “We need balance in how public affairs are managed, especially concerning personnel and remuneration.”

The new SRC team, which Parliament approved on Thursday, includes Chepkwony, Major General (Rtd) Martin Kizito representing the Defence Council, Mohamed Aden Abdi for county governments, Jane Njage for the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), and Leonid Ashindu from the Association of Professional Societies in East Africa. Also on the panel are Gilder Odera, representing the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), and Geoffrey Omondi from the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU).

As the dust settles on this latest reshuffle, many are left wondering: will the new SRC team listen to the concerns raised by lawmakers and strike a more thoughtful, balanced approach to political remuneration? Only time will tell if this new chapter will bring the kind of change Kenyans need or if the same old debates will continue to dominate. For now, the spotlight remains on how these new appointments will address the ever-growing divide between politicians and the public, and whether they will be able to restore trust where it’s been lost.

 

Article By Suzy Nyongesa.

Comments

  • No comments yet.
  • Add a comment