National Assembly Dismisses Report That MPs Misused Night Allowances for Drivers & Bodyguards

The National Assembly on Tuesday evening dismissed a report by the Nation Media Group (NMG) showing that some Members of Parliament misappropriated night allowances meant for their drivers and bodyguards.

National Assembly Clerk Samuel Njoroge, in a letter dated November 26, termed the article titled, “Greedy MPs pocket bodyguards and drivers’ allowances,” as false, inaccurate, and sensational. 

According to the article, Speaker Moses Wetangula reportedly blasted the lawmakers for allegedly pocketing night allowances meant for their bodyguards and drivers.

The article further indicated that the speaker, who made the remarks during the recently concluded parliamentary leadership retreat in Nakuru, urged the lawmakers to halt the habit as it tainted the image of the National Assembly.

While clarifying the matter, Njoroge said that the statement attributed to the Speaker by the publication was entirely false and fictitious.

The clerk explained that President William Ruto’s decision to withdraw the Finance Bill 2024 led to a substantial reduction in parliamentary budget allocation for various activities including travel and the purchase of equipment.

Njoroge further revealed that the muted allocation also saw a reduction in the allocation for constituency offices, which includes the contested allowances for bodyguards and drivers attached to MPs.

He clarified that before the withdrawal of the defunct piece of legislation in June this year, bodyguards and drivers attached to MPs had been paid allowances until recently when Kenyans took to the streets to demonstrate against the controversial tax proposal.

“Consequently, in the current Financial Year, 2024/2025, funds have not been factored in the budget of the National Assembly for the said allowances for bodyguards and drivers,” the clerk reiterated.

“The issue of allowances for bodyguards and drivers was not an agenda item at the recently concluded National Assembly’s Leadership Retreat held from October 27 to October 30, 2024, in Nakuru County,” he added.

In his statement, Njororge urged members of the press to strive to be objective in his reporting, seek clarification from the relevant offices, and avoid making unfounded allegations.

“Had the author of the article sought prior clarification, the facts relating to the matter would have been readily provided,” noted the clerk of the National Assembly.