The National Assembly has strongly rejected allegations that some Members of Parliament (MPs) are misappropriating allowances designated for their bodyguards and drivers.
These claims were sparked by a report from Daily Nation, which detailed warnings from Speaker Moses Wetangula during a leadership retreat in Nakuru. Wetangula had cautioned MPs against pocketing allowances meant for their security teams and drivers.
In a statement, National Assembly Clerk Samuel Njoroge dismissed the report as “false, inaccurate, and sensational,” clarifying that it was based on misleading information. He further explained that since the Finance Bill 2024 was rejected, and Parliament’s budget was significantly reduced, bodyguards and drivers have not been receiving allowances.
“The reduction affected several areas including foreign and domestic travel, equipment purchases, hospitality, and the allocation for constituency offices, which includes allowances for bodyguards and drivers attached to MPs,” Njoroge stated.
He emphasized that no funds were available for such allowances, making it impossible for MPs to misappropriate non-existent funds. The shortage of allowances for bodyguards and drivers was also factored into the 2024/2025 fiscal year budget.
Njoroge reiterated that drivers and bodyguards assigned to MPs are usually compensated for their official duties in accordance with the Parliamentary Service Commission’s policy. However, he noted that no formal complaints regarding the alleged misappropriation of funds had been filed.
During the retreat, Speaker Wetangula had warned MPs against taking allowances meant for their staff, stressing the potential long-term consequences, especially if bodyguards or drivers accused MPs of theft. “You can imagine if your bodyguard calls you a thief and says you stole from him for all these years,” Wetangula remarked, urging MPs to avoid such actions to prevent any future problems.
The statement from Parliament aimed to clarify the matter, emphasizing that the claims were without merit and based on inaccurate reporting.
