Peter Salasya, the MP for Mumias East, has revealed his June payslip, showing he took home only KSh 2,364 from his gross salary of KSh 1.2 million. Despite earning a substantial amount, heavy deductions for taxes, mortgage, loans, and contributions to various associations left him with a small net salary.
#### Deductions on Salasya's Salary
Salasya’s payslip showed significant deductions:
- **Income tax**: KSh 360,500
- **Mortgage**: KSh 542,000
- **Other deductions**: Loans, contributions to the parliamentarians' Sacco, and the Kenya Young Parliamentarians Association (KYPA).
#### Reaction to the Finance Bill 2024
Salasya humorously suggested that the poor payslips of MPs might have influenced their support for the Finance Bill 2024, hoping for government handouts. He said, "Here is my salary. This is what made the Kenya Kwanza MPs vote yes for the Finance Bill 2024. Some of us decided to persevere with the little pay. If my payslip looks like this, what of that of the police officers, teachers and doctors?"
#### Controversy Over State Officer Salaries
There was a recent move by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to increase the salaries of state officers, which many lawmakers opposed. For example, the speaker of the National Assembly and the Senate's speaker were set to receive a higher gross salary this month.
#### Allegations of Bribery
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua denied claims that MPs were bribed to pass the Finance Bill 2024. Juja MP George Koimburi, who voted against the bill, alleged that colleagues were offered KSh 2 million each to vote in favor, which he refused.
Peter Salasya’s display of his payslip highlights the financial realities and challenges faced by MPs, despite their seemingly high gross earnings.
