"Parliament Has Become a Glamour Job, MPs Earns 6 Figure Salaries" – Karua Laments Greedy Leadership

People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has spoken boldly about how today’s Members of Parliament (MPs) have changed their focus—from serving the people to chasing money.

In an exclusive interview with a local TV station, Martha Karua said it is easy to know whether someone will change once they get into a position of influence by simply looking at their track record.

Karua shared that when she was first elected as an MP in 1993, her monthly salary was just Ksh5,000. Including allowances, the total amount she earned was Ksh19,000. She explained that back then, being a politician was not about money, but service.

Karua, who has built her public image around governance and accountability, maintained that her principles have remained consistent from her early days in public service.

Karua, who has built her public image around governance and accountability, maintained that her principles have remained consistent from her early days in public service.

“My salary was Ksh5,000. I had to support my political work through my law office,” she said.

But things are different now. Karua said that MPs today earn six-figure salaries and enjoy huge allowances. According to her, Parliament has now become a “glamour job” that attracts people who are only interested in becoming rich.

“Today, it is a glamour job; people are coming for money. When they reach Parliament, they become tenderpreneurs,” Karua stated.

She added that many MPs no longer attend parliamentary sessions because they are busy chasing tenders and government deals.

“There’s no quorum in Parliament because they are all out looking for business,” she said.
“I think the way to know is to look at somebody’s past. Ever since my adulthood, through the public spaces I have worked in, I have been a stickler for the rule of law, respect for human rights, and democracy,” she said.

Karua didn’t stop there. She said that the same bad behavior is happening at the county level, where MCAs and even senators are more focused on personal wealth than helping citizens.

Looking into the future, Karua said that if elected president, she would restructure the civil service and review politicians’ salaries. She believes that leadership must return to the people.

Karua also announced that she will run for president in 2027.

“I’m done with the running mate business. This time, I want the top seat,” she declared.

However, she also said she would support another candidate if chosen by the opposition—but not as a running mate again.

She ended her speech by saying Kenya needs serious leadership that respects the law and works for all citizens. With her experience in law and politics, Karua believes she is ready to lead.

“Kenya is bigger than all of us,” she concluded.

“Let us choose service over self.”