Senator Murkomen’s Salary to be Slashed by Sh400,000 After Losing Majority Leader Seat

Elgeyo-Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen has lost several privileges and benefits after he was stripped of his Senate Majority Leader seat, it has emerged.

Murkomen, who held the prestigious position since late 2017, was ousted during a Jubilee Parliamentary Group meeting for senators held at State House, Nairobi on Monday, May 11th. He was replaced by West Pokot Senator Samuel Poghisio of Kanu.

As a result, Murkomen will have his Sh1,056,000 monthly salary trimmed and will now earn Sh710,000, the pay for normal senators.

He will also lose the Sh100,000 car fuel allowance given to senators in leadership positions as well as have the three luxury cars assigned to him withdrawn. All the motor vehicles are above 4500cc and bear GK number plates. 

Further to this, he will cease to enjoy Sh300,000 allocated to the Office of Majority Leader for hospitality per month and the mandatory police escort that he was entitled to. Eight police bodyguards attached to him will be withdrawn.

In addition, his staff including a researcher, a legal counsel, a fiscal analyst, a media officer, a personal assistant, two secretaries, and two office assistants will be withdrawn.

Murkomen was kicked out alongside Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika, who served as Senate Majority Whip. 

The new changes were approved by Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka on Tuesday, May 12th despite protest from leaders allied to Deputy President William Ruto.