Parliament responds to claims of misusing aides’ allowances

The National Assembly has refuted allegations that Members of Parliament (MPs) have been misappropriating allowances meant for their bodyguards and drivers.

This comes after a report by a local publication alleged that Speaker Moses Wetang’ula criticised MPs during a retreat in Nakuru, urging them to stop the practice.

In a detailed statement on Tuesday, 26th November 2024, National Assembly Clerk dispelled the allegations as false, inaccurate and sensational.

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The clerk clarified that the allowances in question were not included in the current financial year’s budget due to funding cuts after the rejection of the Finance Bill 2024.

The clerk emphasised that the budget reductions affected key allocations, including foreign and domestic travel, purchase of equipment, hospitality, and constituency office funds.

Addressing past practices, the statement confirmed that allowances for bodyguards and drivers were previously provided to facilitate MPs’ official duties.

However, no formal complaints regarding denial or misuse of these allowances had been received.

The statement further debunked claims that the issue of allowances was discussed during the Nakuru retreat held between 27th and 30th October 2024.

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The National Assembly urged journalists to seek clarifications before publishing articles, accusing the report’s author of creating a misleading narrative.