Outgoing
Senate Majority Leader Senator Kipchumba Murkomen, and outgoing Senate
Majority-whip Senator Susan Kihika are now staring at the reality of losing all
benefits that come with their previously held positions.
The two
Senate leaders met their ouster on Monday, following a meeting between the
president and some senators affiliated to the Jubilee party.
The
yesterday's meeting resolved that the duo be replaced by Senator Samuel
Poghisio for the Majority leader and Senator Irungu Kang'ata for the
Majority-whip.
The two
will lose not only their positions but also every benefit that comes with
holding such posts. These include security, high pay, government-serviced
vehicles, offices, and government-paid staff.
As stated
by the National Assembly's Minority leader, and ODM Party Chair Hon. John
Mbadi, Majority and Minority leaders pocket slightly over 0.2 million salaries
above their colleagues. Additionally, they are also entitled to 0.138 million
as responsibility allowances.
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"It is
about Sh400,000 above other members. Those officeholders also have staff hired
for them, including a researcher, policy analyst, and a legal officer. There is
also a secretary, personal assistant, and an office assistant," revealed
Mr. Mbadi.
The ODM
chair also revealed that all those benefits are lost once one loses the
position. In addition, all their staffs become jobless since they personally
chose them, while the vehicles are handed over to the government.
According
to Mr. Mbadi, the ouster will also highly affect their pensions, which are
usually based on someone's last basic salary. The words of Mr. Mbadi were
echoed by former Deputy Minority leader Jakoyo Midiwo, who stated that the
offices elevate one slightly above the rest.
"...the
offices put you slightly above your colleagues, and come with a lot of
privileges...," noted Mr. Midiwo. Defending the duo's ouster, Jubilee's
Vice Chair, David Murathe, stated the two had become great opponents for the
ruling party.