Onyonka Condemns Salary Hikes as Insensitive Amid Economic Crisis
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has strongly opposed the proposed salary increases for civil servants set to take effect in April, denouncing the move as ill-timed given the country’s ongoing economic struggles.
In a statement shared on his X account on Saturday, March 29, 2025, Onyonka criticized the pay raise as unnecessary, asserting that public officials never sought such adjustments. Instead, he urged that the funds be redirected to support disadvantaged children who face challenges in accessing education.
“We never asked for any salary increment. That money should be allocated to the needy children of this country who cannot access education. An additional Ksh360,000 to my payslip as a senator is not a priority when the nation is grappling with such severe economic hardships!” Onyonka stated.
Methu Echoes Opposition to Salary Hike
Following Onyonka’s remarks, Nyandarua Senator John Methu also voiced his disapproval of the proposed salary adjustments, calling on fellow lawmakers to reject the offer.
Methu declared that he would formally communicate his decision to decline the salary increase to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), describing the proposal as ill-conceived and insensitive to the economic burdens faced by ordinary citizens.
“I never requested a pay rise. I urge my colleagues in the Senate and National Assembly to decline this increment, considering the President’s directive to cut government expenditure. This increase is poorly timed and will only add to the taxpayers’ financial strain,” Methu said.
According to Methu, the SRC’s decision to raise his salary by Ksh366,000 starting in April was made without prior consultation. He criticized the move as a betrayal of struggling Kenyans and pledged to formally reject the adjustment.
“SRC has granted me an increase of Ksh366,000 beginning April. However, I did not ask for this, and I do not want my salary increased. I will be writing an official letter to that effect and call on my fellow lawmakers to do the same,” he added.
Calls for Ethical Leadership
Methu further urged his fellow senators and members of parliament to decline the offer, emphasizing that leaders should not indulge in lavish benefits while millions of Kenyans endure economic hardship. He insisted that genuine leadership requires prioritizing the well-being of the people.
“How can a small group of us enjoy such financial privileges while millions of Kenyans struggle? This must end. The cycle of exploiting hardworking citizens must stop, and any leader truly committed to serving the people should reject this offer,” he asserted.
The debate surrounding the SRC’s proposed salary increment continues to spark discussions among political leaders, with mounting calls for prioritizing economic relief over salary enhancements for public officials.
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Onyonka Condemns Salary Hikes as Insensitive Amid Economic Crisis
