- "You can put sufurias on your head and throw other tantrums but we do not have money to give you," he said.
- Mandera MCAs had threatened to go on strike over the move by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission to increase their pay by Sh10,000.
Image: DPCS
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has told off MCAs who have threatened to strike over what they termed as a low salary increase by the SRC.
Speaking in Nairobi on Thursday, the DP said the government has no money, and the MCAs should be content with what they have.
"You cannot vie for a seat knowing the salary and ask for a raise after you are elected. We do not have money. You can put sufurias on your head and throw other tantrums but we do not have money to give you," he said.
"Be content with your salaries and serve the people since you vied for the seats willingly."
Mandera MCAs had threatened to go on strike over the move by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission to increase their pay by Sh10,000.
The MCA's gross salaries were increased from Sh144,375 to Sh154,481 starting in July.
Led by Wargadud MCA Bishar Mukhtar, the MCAs protested the move claiming there is a lack of fairness from SRC.
"Where is the transparency and fairness in that circular that SRC put forward yesterday? How can they increase some salaries for a section of MCAs and leave others? SRC added a gross salary of Sh10,000," Mukhtar said.
"One thing the SRC must understand is that the majority leader, minority leader, speaker and the deputy speaker are first and foremost MCAs ."
The MCAs asked their counterparts from other counties to join hands and protest what they termed as small increments.
The move to increase their salaries came days after MCAs, who assembled in Nairobi for their inaugural conference, resolved to strike until their salaries and allowances are increased.
Majority and minority leaders had their gross pay increased from Sh144,375 to Sh191,324 in the next financial year and Sh204,717 in the subsequent year.
They will also enjoy a committee sitting allowance of Sh62,400 for one committee per month.
This means that an MCA who sits in only one committee will be paid a gross salary of Sh216,881 from next month from the current Sh206,775.
From July 2024, the payment will go up to Sh226,988 in case a member sits in only one committee.
However, most MCAs sit in at least two committees.