A popular comedian turned businessman, Antony Njuguna formerly of Redyklass filed a petition at the High Court in Milimani on Wednesday seeking to block two MPs from being sworn-in.
Njuguna seeks to block Kiambu and Homa Bay County Women reps Gathoni Wamuchomba and Gladys Wanga from being sworn-in Thursday over their agitation for higher pay.
In court documents filed under certificate of urgency, he cites it is illegal for the two legislators to be sworn-in.
“It would be counterproductive, illegal and contrary to public policy for the two to be sworn in as MPs,” he said as quoted by the Star.
He maintains their push to reverse proposed pay structure by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) and award themselves higher salaries than prescribed is a breach of the law.
Also, he adds, “They have publicly demeaned and brought dishonour and disrespect to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission.”
Wanga accused SRC of plotting to “reduce MPs to beggars” while Wamuchomba said she deserves good pay to “feel honored”.
The two received backlash on social media and also in their counties.
In the case of Wamuchomba, irked residents embarked on collecting signatures to impeach her.
She has since apologized saying she is comfortable with whatever SRC has gazetted.
Njuguna notes in his petition that the court should declare illegal any move by the Parliamentarians to resort to underhand, methods to push for their raised pay.
Earlier, Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atamdi had said that they will block appointment of the Cabinet until SRC reneges on its decision.
He says only the Sarah Serem led commission has the right to review the pay structure for any civil servant.
“It is imperative to ensure certainty of the law governing review and setting of remuneration for public and state officers to avoid dislocation of government functions.”
By Pharis Kinyua. He’s an online Journalist and an author for Jamhuri News.