Starehe MP Charles 'Jaguar' Kanyi Dismisses Uhuru’s Call for Leaders to Take Pay Cut

Starehe MP Charles Njagua Kanyi, alias ‘Jaguar’, has dismissed President Kenyatta’s call on leaders to take pay cuts to raise funds for fighting the coronavirus pandemic.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, Jaguar said he will not have his salary slashed but he will instead donate directly to residents of Starehe Constituency.

He termed the taking of pay cut by leaders as a public relations gimmick adding that he will not give his salary to “bureaucrats.” Jaguar shared photos of water tanks that he is set to distribute to residents of Starehe.

“I represent Starehe. Everything I do as an MP is for the benefit of my constituents.”

“I will not do things for PR like giving my salary to bureaucrats. I will give it directly to the people who elected me. I have bought water tanks & food for the poor. I will do more.”

On Wednesday, President Uhuru announced he and Deputy President William Ruto will take 80 percent pay cut to free up funds for combating Covid-19 and urged leaders in other arms of the government to follow suit.

Cabinet Secretaries and Chief Administrative Secretaries will also have their monthly pay reduced by 30 while that of Principal Secretaries will be trimmed by 20 percent.

In line with Uhuru’s recommendation, National Assembly and Senate speakers Justin Muturi and Ken Lusaka, as well as Chief Justice David Maraga, announced they will have their salaries reduced by 30 percent.