Opposition leader Raila Odinga has thrown his weight upon the heating Parliamentary Service Commission Bill set for its third reading later in the week.
In the bill, lawmakers are seeking an advancement of their perks, and are pushing for among others, an expansion of their medical insurance cover and rent-free houses.
However, it a statement to media houses on Sunday, Raila opposed the bill, terming it a show of impunity and grand larceny.
He said that the nation is already battling its large debt, adding that it is inappropriate and a bigger load on the back of the already overworked taxpayer.
“He (Odinga) therefore finds the Parliamentary Service Commission Bill a case of Grand Larceny and an anti-people and insensitive demand that should be disowned and rejected as inappropriate and unacceptable to a great majority of Kenyans if not all, at this time,” reads the statement by Odinga’s spokesman Dennis Onyango.
“Mr. Odinga is appealing to members of parliament to appreciate that the country is struggling with huge debts that cut through the broad spectrum of our economy and deficits strangling specific critical sectors,” it further reads as is quoted by the Citizen Digital.
The members also want an additional vehicle and more salaries.
Raila’s opposition to the bill follows President Uhuru Kenyatta’s similar stand.
The head of state has openly expressed his opposition of the move, vowing to reject it should it reach his desk.
A section of parliamentarians have however expressed their commitment to realizing the push, vowing to use their parliamentary powers should the President disapprove it.