Odinga criticises Kenyan MPs huge pay rise

Nairobi, 05 July-(ANA)-Kenya's Prime Minister Raila Odinga has strongly criticised MPs for voting themselves a huge pay increase.

If the rise is passed, allowances mean they would each earn up to $126,000 (£84,000) after tax, making them among the world's best-paid politicians.

"It is unfair. It is sending very wrong signals to the people of this country," said Mr Odinga shortly after his release from hospital.

He had an operation to relieve fluid on the brain last week.

The MPs' vote has aroused widespread public anger.

Although the lawmakers approved the 18% pay rise last week, cabinet is due to discuss it on Tuesday.

Sources told Kenya's Daily Nation newspaper that ministers were likely to reject the proposal.

Mr Odinga said he was satisfied with his current salary and urged MPs to consider other priorities.

Under the proposed rise, the prime minister's salary would rise to $40,000 (£26,000) a month - a third more than the British prime minister earns and 10% more than the US president.

However, the increase would not come into effect until the next parliament, by which time the post of prime minister might have been abolished if a new constitution is passed in a referendum in August.

The MPs' basic pay would be $44,000 (£29,000) a year. But they also have numerous perks and allowances, including $370 (£250) a day for turning up in parliament.

Average annual income in Kenya is about $730 (£490), while most of the population earns less than $1 (66p) a day. (ANA)

FA/ANA/05 July 2010--------