Monday, June 4, 2012

AG retracts clauses on MPs' pay after dispute


AG retracts clauses on MPs' pay after dispute

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AG Githu Muigai. While proposing the new laws, Attorney-General Githu Muigai has factored in the rise of public performances and use of video recordings by local musicians and producers without remunerating back-up artistes. Photo/File
Photo | FILE AG Githu Muigai told Parliament last Wednesday, he resolved to withdraw the contentious clauses after consultations with the Prime Minister and some MPs were uncomfortable with proposed amendments to the National Assembly Remuneration Act 
By NJERI RUGENE nrugene@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted  Sunday, June 3  2012 at  22:30
Debate on the contentious Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendment) Bill will resume, but without provisions on salaries of constitutional officers.
But even with the withdrawal of the provisions, MPs will still receive their gratuity payments while temporary deputy speakers including the Speaker and his deputy will get their increased responsibility allowances. (READ: Speakers to get pay rise in new proposal)
The send-off package of Sh3.7 million each for MPs and the new responsibility allowances for members of the Speakers panel, is contained in the Finance Act passed by the House last month and assented to by the President.
House Speaker Kenneth Marende last week allowed Attorney-general Githu Muigai toretract the provisions that included amendments to the National Assembly Remuneration Act and the Finance Act, 2012 meant to regularise remuneration of members of the Speakers panel.
He ruled that debate continues without reference to the withdrawn parts of the Bill and asked the AG to consider bringing to the House amendments which raise policy questions in separate proposals and as stand-alone Bills.
The AG told Parliament last Wednesday, he resolved to withdraw the contentious clauses after consultations with the Prime Minister and some MPs were uncomfortable with proposed amendments to the National Assembly Remuneration Act. (READ: AG answers Raila over MPs’ millions)
“The controversy came as a result of bad faith read into it when there is none,” said the AG while inviting the Speaker to give a ruling on his position.
In the amendment Bill, the MPs also want the commencement date of the law backdated to July 1, 2003. Mr John Mbadi of Gwassi asked for clarification on whether the Finance Act 2012 would be withdrawn.
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Mr Mbadi and Gichugu MP Martha Karua have maintained that the Act was unconstitutionally enacted because determination of salaries and compensation to constitutional offices is the responsibility of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission.

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