Senator Aaron Cheruiyot has called on Members of Parliament to reject the proposed salary increase, citing the current financial challenges.
His statement comes amid ongoing discussions about annual pay increments for legislators, which have sparked public debate.
Speaking on Wednesday while moving a motion on the Current State of the Nation on the floor of the house, the majority leader highlighted the need for MPs to consider a pay cut.
"If it means taking a pay cut, we as Members of Parliament have been told that we will never do it. We don’t have an option, we must do it," Cheruiyot said.
"The yearly increment that is being discussed, I saw it being reported or misreported that we are now going to earn more; SRC continues to be silent about it," he added.
He further urged his colleagues to prioritize the country’s economic stability over personal financial gains.
"We must make a resolution and say that we reject even that one in light of the financial situation," he said.
A Gazette Notice dated August 9, 2023, from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) noted that state officers were scheduled to get salary and benefit increments starting July 1.
According to the notice, Members of Parliament and Senate will receive a pay rise from the initial Sh725,502 to 739,600.