Kenyans lash out at MPs who luxuriously fly to constituency while drivers, bodyguards use road

Kenyans have bashed Members of Parliament who disclosed they fly to their constituencies while their staff, including bodyguards and drivers, go by road.

In heated online discussions, Kenyans noted that they are the ones who bear the cost of affording politicians luxury from the taxes they paid.

Uriri MP Mark Nyamita sparked a debate online after disclosing the personal costs he incurs while traveling to his constituency.

Speaking during a TV interview, Nyamita revealed that he often flies to Migori while his driver and bodyguard travel by road. 

The MP said he pays for their accommodation and meals from his own pocket due to a lack of government provision for such expenses.

“My return ticket to Migori costs around Sh20,000. I’ll fly tomorrow morning, but my driver and bodyguard will have left the night before by road,” said Nyamita. “They assume that because I didn’t travel by car, no car went.”

He added, “There’s no official provision for their accommodation or upkeep. Sometimes I stay a whole week in the constituency, and I have to pay for their hotel and meals myself.”

Nyamita also called on the government to provide official transport and security for MPs, arguing that the current system leaves legislators to shoulder operational costs personally.

His remarks, however, drew criticism from Kenyans online, with many questioning the necessity and ethics of such spending.

Twitter user @iKenn_G posted: “Unless it's a rescue mission, what could possibly justify legislators flying across the country? And who is footing that bill? Surely it can’t be the taxpayer.”

Another user, @KoffiBarry1, added: “There’s no justification for this in a country where people go hungry. MPs knew the perks of the job when they ran for office, why complain now?”

@JAKADAWA questioned the security rationale: “Why do MPs need bodyguards when going to their home villages where they campaigned without any protection? Besides, don’t they have access to CDF office vehicles?”

This public backlash comes amid growing scrutiny over legislators’ travel-related claims.

In her latest audit report for the 2023/2024 financial year, Auditor General Nancy Gathungu flagged weaknesses in how mileage allowances for MPs and Senators are verified. 

She revealed that Ksh183.4 million was paid to MPs for travel using private vehicles, while Senators received Ksh40.2 million.

The AG noted that the claims were only supported by basic transport forms, without additional documentation confirming whether the trips had occurred.

“The lack of internal controls in the payment of claimable allowances may lead to the loss of public funds,” read part of her report.

Meanwhile, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has proposed changes to the mileage allowance system. 

In a letter to Parliament, SRC CEO Anne Gitau announced that beginning April 1, 2025, all 416 MPs and Senators will be entitled to a fixed monthly mileage allowance of Sh366,011.

This will cost taxpayers over Ksh1.8 billion annually.

Under the current system, lawmakers must submit claims based on the actual distance travelled to their constituencies. 

The upcoming changes will provide a fixed base amount, in addition to a variable allowance based on distance, raising fresh concerns about oversight and potential abuse.