Statement by Rt.Hon. Raila Odinga on MPs Hefty Send-Off Package

I have studied the Presidential Retirement Benefits (Amendment) Bill and the Retirement Benefits (Deputy President and Designated State Officers) Bill that were passed by Parliament a few days ago, and I completely object to them.

The passage of these Bills amounts to treachery by Parliament. It is an attempt by MPs to blackmail, arm twist and even bribe the Executive in order to have their way.

These Bills will overshadow the significant achievements that the Tenth Parliament and the Grand Coalition Government have been credited with.

The recommendations of the two Bills are unacceptable, unjustifiable and border on criminality.

In a nation struggling with hunger, insecurity, unemployment, wanting health services, rising cost of education and numerous other shortcomings, I find no words to explain and justify the proposed packages to our suffering citizens.

I am consulting with H.E the President on this matter to ensure that we do the right thing for the people of Kenya.

This runaway greed and callousness must be condemned and rejected by all Kenyans. I condemn and reject this package. We neither need it, nor can we afford it.

Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Raila A. Odinga, EGH, MP
PRIME MINISTER
FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013