15 Kenyan MPs Under Pressure to Return Sh27 Million Allowance for Canceled US Trip

At least 15 Kenyan female MPs could miss their March salaries if they fail to refund over Sh27 million that they had received as per diem for a US trip that was canceled last week due to global coronavirus outbreak.

The MPs were set to travel to the US to attend the 64th UN session of the commission on the status of women in New York but the trip was canceled by National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi last week due to coronavirus fears. 

As a result, Speaker Muturi directed the MPs to refund the allowances they had received ahead of the 15-day US trip that was set to run from March 7th to 22nd.

Each of the MPs received a total of Sh1,847,520 but none has refunded the money a week after the trip was canceled, according to Citizen TV.

They include Woman Representatives Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), Janet Nangabo (Trans-Nzoia), Rozah Buyu (Kisumu), Wangui Ngirichi (Kirinyaga) and Rehema Jaldesa (Isiolo). Others are Nominated MP Denitah Ghati, Taveta MP Naomi Shaban, and Nominated Senators Millicent Omanga, Beatrice Kwamboka and Judy Pareno.

Some of the affected MPs told Citizen TV that they are seeking alternative sources to refund the cash to Parliament’s finance office as they had already spent the allowances.

Those who fail to surrender the money will have the amount deducted from their March salaries and also risk being barred from future trips.