Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has opposed the proposed salary hikes for civil servants set to begin in April, condemning the move as inconsiderate during a time of economic hardship for Kenyans.

In a statement shared on his X account on Saturday, March 29, 2025, Onyonka dismissed the increment as unwarranted, stressing that leaders never requested such adjustments to their salaries.

He argued that the funds would be better utilized in supporting vulnerable children who are struggling to access education.

“We never asked for any salary increment. Let that money be channelled to the needy children of this country who are not able to access education. An additional Ksh360,000 to my payslip as a senator can not be a priority when we are grappling with such tough and unbearable economic times as a country!” he stated.

Methu

Following Onyonka’s remarks, Nyandarua Senator John Methu also voiced his dissatisfaction with the planned salary increments, urging lawmakers to reject the offer.

Methu said he would officially communicate his refusal to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), terming the raise untimely and insensitive to the economic realities Kenyans face.

“I never asked for a pay rise. I urge other members of the Senate and National Assembly to reject the increase considering the President’s call to reduce government expenditure. Such an increase is untimely and will just end up overburdening the taxpayers,” Methu said.

According to Methu, the SRC’s decision to increase his salary by Kshs366,000 beginning in April was made without consultation. The Senator criticized the move as a betrayal of the common citizen and pledged to officially decline the increment.

“SRC has given me an increase of 366K starting month of April, however, I never asked for an increase from SRC, I don’t want my salary to be increased. I will be writing an official letter to that effect and am urging all my colleagues to do the same,” he stated.

Methu further urged his colleagues to reject the offer, arguing that leaders should not live lavishly while millions of Kenyans suffer. He insisted that genuine leadership requires prioritizing the welfare of the people.

“How can a few of us live in opulence when millions of Kenyans are suffering? This has to stop, these games we keep playing with struggling Kenyans have to stop and any leader who is on the side of the people should come out and reject this offer,” he added.