National Assembly dismisses claims Lawmakers misappropriate allowances

𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬, 𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐢

The National Assembly has dismissed as false claims that Members of Parliament misappropriate allowances intended for their bodyguards and drivers.

In a statement issued by Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Samuel Njoroge, the claims—attributed to Rt. Hon. Speaker Moses Wetang’ula in an article published by the Daily Nation on Tuesday, November 26, 2024—were described as entirely untrue and a fabrication by the article's author.

“At the outset, we wish to note that the allegations are false, inaccurate, and sensational," read the press statement in part. 

"The statement attributed to the Rt. Hon. Speaker of the National Assembly is entirely untrue and a fictitious creation of the author of the publication,” read the press release. 

Mr. Njoroge clarified that the rejection of the Finance Bill, 2024, resulted in significant budget cuts for Parliament. 

These reductions affected various allocations, including foreign and domestic travel, purchase of equipment, hospitality, and constituency office budgets, which previously included allowances for bodyguards and drivers.

“In the current Financial Year, 2024/2025, funds have NOT been allocated in the National Assembly's budget for the said allowances. The allowances are therefore not available as alleged in the misguided newspaper article, a fact that Members of Parliament and their bodyguards and drivers have been duly informed of,” the Clerk stated.

He emphasized that since these funds do not exist in the current budget, it is impossible for Members of Parliament to misappropriate them.

Mr. Njoroge also highlighted that, historically, allowances for bodyguards and drivers were provided under the Parliamentary Service Commission's policy to facilitate official duties. 

However, during this period, no formal complaints had been received regarding the denial or misuse of such allowances.

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

The Clerk criticized the author of the article for failing to verify facts before publication. 

“Had the author sought prior clarification, the facts would have been readily provided. We urge the particular author to strive for objectivity in reporting, seek clarification from relevant offices, and avoid making unfounded allegations or alarming reports about Parliament and its Members,” he concluded.