Kenyan MPs are known for allocating themselves more money, even when members of the public gang up against them.
Despite their efforts to live lavishly, one woman has been at the centre of their power struggle as she seeks to tame the MP's hunger for money.
Lyn Mengich, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission chairperson has stood her ground numerous times and even faced the legislators in court when it mattered.
In October 2018, she filed a suit accusing lawmakers of disregarding constitutional provisions that give SRC the sole mandate of setting salaries and allowances for state and public officers.
(SRC) is established by Article 230 of the Constitution of Kenya with the mandate to set and regularly review the remuneration and benefits of all state officers.
Mengich assumed office in September 2018, taking over from Sarah Serem, who is Kenya's current ambassador to China.
She has a wealth of experience in leadership and human resource management having worked in senior roles as CEO and consultant for Nuevo Consulting, HR director for Barclays and Kenya Commercial Bank.
She studied Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in UoN and later earned a Master Degree in Human Resource Management at JKUAT.
"The SRC is also concerned that the continued increase in the wage bill means a reduction in the resources available for the country’s development and provision of essential services to mwananchi.
"The payment of house allowance by the Parliamentary Service Commission is a matter of great public concern. The SRC is reviewing the matter with a view to taking appropriate action," Mengich jumped to Kenyans defence in a press release, in regards to MPs demand for high wages in 2019.
In July 2019, MPs lamented on how their salaries were inadequate. Suba MP, Millie Odhiambo, blamed her constituents for making her go broke, alleging that her salary was stretched to the limit because of contributions and handouts.
On the other hand, Rarieda MP, Otiende Amollo, appeared for a plenary discussion on NTV where he confessed that being a legislator had caused a strain on his wallet.
Nairobi Woman Representative, Esther Passaris, was later embroiled in an online battle with citizens after she blamed them for looking up to leaders to cover their personal expenses.
All these were aligned to their narrative of being awarded with heftier packs. Their pleas however, fell on deaf ears.
