Gathoni wa Muchomba faces backlash over pay increment remarks

Kiambu County Woman Representative-elect Gathoni wa Muchomba. [PHOTO: JOHN MUCHUCHA/Standard]

Even before she is sworn in, Kiambu Woman representative-elect Gathoni wa Muchomba is on the spot for her remarks on parliamentarians' salaries.

Speaking during a TV interview, the new MP-elect is said to have disowned a salary cut for lawmakers proposed by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).

Wa Muchomba is reported to have said: "Let us slash or raise salaries the right way. I want to be paid well. I want to be honoured for who I am."

Her remarks triggered an immediate backlash from Kenyans on social media, many of them telling off the MP-elect for demanding more money even before taking oath of office.

Heated debate followed in various social media groups, particularly in her Kiambu backyard, with many calling on her to withdraw the statement.

"She now wants us to honour her for her position, a position we freely gave her in the election instead of honouring us with her services," said a Kirago Karanja, a member of Thika Town Today WhatsApp group.

One Edward Ngarega, a member at Kiambu Socio Political group, said it was unfortunate that the MP-elect had openly shown that she was after money and not service, as residents thought.

Angry residents are said to have started collecting signatures to launch a recall petition against Wa Muchomba once the National Assembly is reconstituted.

"We made the wrong choice and we were manipulated. Wa Muchomba is a letdown," posted one resident on Facebook.

The MP-elect apologised and withdrew her remarks during an interview on a TV breakfast show.

"I will gladly and humbly accept whatever Sarah Serem will give us," Wa Muchomba said.

More incoming MPs have supported calls for a pay increment. On Wednesday, Gladys Wanga, the Homa Bay woman representative-elect, said the new pay for MPs proposed by SRC was meant to rob the National Assembly of its status.