Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwa are set to receive at least Sh1 million as allowances for the 20 days they will have sat for the ongoing Bipartisan Talks.
This comes as it was revealed that the entire process would cost Kenyan taxpayers at least Sh106 million. The funds will be used to pay allowances to the dialogue committee and technical team, as well as other expenses such as food, venue fees, security, printing, and advertising.
According to the Daily Nation, the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) will fund a large portion of the funds, and a request for the funds has already been made.
“The fact that Parliament has seconded members of its secretariat to the talks team means taxpayers’ money is involved in the Bomas talks. Both the National Assembly and the Senate approved a motion legally establishing the ongoing talks,” said the Nation.
The Bipartisan Talks have ten members, five from each of the two main political parties. The government’s side, led by Ichungwa, includes Senate Majority Leader Araon Cheruiyot, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, EALA MP Hassan Omar, and Catherine Wambilianga.
The opposition team, led by Kalonzo, includes National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, DAP Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa, Nyamira Senator Okon’go Omogeni, and Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi.
Kalonzo and Ichungwa earn Sh50,000 per sitting, while the other members earn Sh40,000.
There is also an eight-person technical team that earns Sh25,000 per sitting. This includes High Court Advocate Muthomi Thiankolu, Dr Linda Musumba, lawyer Nick Biketi, Dr Duncan Ojwang, Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, Dr Adams Oloo, former EALA MP Zein Abubakar, and Isabel Githinji.
A secretariat of 20 members, each earning Sh15,000 per sitting, is also present at the talks.
Other expenses will include Sh4.6 million for the host, Sh8 million for a retreat in Naivasha, Sh1.2 million for air tickets, Sh2.4 million for advertising, and Sh10 million for publishing the final document.
Kenya Kwanza politicians have repeatedly dismissed the talks as a waste of time and public money.
