Senator Aoron Cheruiyot has rubbished reports that the co-chairs and members of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) will receive sitting allowances from taxpayers’ money.
In a statement on Wednesday, September 27, the Kericho Senator slammed reports by Nation Media Group (NMG) that the bipartisan talks will cost the taxpayers Ksh.106 million.
“This is stupidity of the highest order, please establish facts before running a campaign on it,” said Cheruiyot.
Further, the Senate Majority leader affirmed that no money has been spent by the NADCO, adding that the members have never received allowances.
“We have never been paid any allowance. There has never been a charge to taxpayers on behalf of NADCO,” he said.
Additionally, the senator criticized the headline by Nation newspaper alleging that the Committee is seeking finances to facilitate the talks.
“This is your usual hired headlines, distasteful,” said Cheruiyot, who is a member of the NADCO
NMG Revelations- Budget Document.
In the story titled “Ruto, Raila talks to gobble up Ksh.106m of taxpayers’ cash” NMG stated that it accessed a budget document prepared by NADCO secretariat.
According to NMG, the Committee will spend Ksh.5.9 million on allowances, conference facilities and refreshments.
Additionally, NMG said NADCO will spend Ksh.10 million on document translation and Ksh.15 million on publication.
Also, NMG mentioned that Ksh.9.7 million was allocated for contingency.
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Member Allowances
Moreover, the newspaper said the co-chairs Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah will receive Ksh.50,000 per sitting.
According to NMG, the two leaders will attend a total of 20 sittings summing the total allowance cost to Ksh.2 million.
“This will be on top of other expenses like air tickets and accommodation, running into thousands of shillings for the planned retreats in Mombasa and Naivasha,” said NMG.
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The members include Senator Cheruiyot, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, EALA MP Hassan Omar, Bungoma MP Catherine Wambilianga and National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi.
Others are DAP-K Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa, Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni and Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi.