William Ruto Claims There Are Civil Servants Earning More Than Him: "What Work Are They Doing?"

• President William Ruto said he had discovered that there were people who have awarded themselves salaries
• The head of state claimed that some leaders of parastatals were earning more than him, adding that he wonders what work they do to warrant the huge salary
• Ruto told ward reps that it was time to discuss whether to increase their salaries or create jobs for Kenyan youth

Uasin Gishu - President William Ruto has set his sights on civil servants whom he claims are being paid more than him.

During the official opening of the 8th Devolution Conference on Wednesday, August 16, in Eldoret, the head of state questioned what some government officers were doing to warrant having huge salaries.

The president disclosed that he had discovered that some heads of parastatals had allocated themselves huge payouts at the end of the month.

"We have come to discover, for example, there are people who have awarded themselves salaries; people in some parastatals or institutions who earn more than the president, and you ask yourself what is this job that this fellow is doing," he said.

What is Ruto's take on increasing MCAs' salaries?

The head of state admitted to MCAs at the meeting that it was a tricky balance between increasing their allowances and salaries and creating jobs for Kenyan youth.

Ruto stated that it was a conversation whose time was long overdue, adding that the leaders have to decide on that.

"I know a matter has been also raised about salaries and allowances. That is a very difficult one. I must admit because the balance is between increasing the salaries of those of us who have jobs or creating opportunities for the four-five million who do not have a job. That is the conversation we must have. So it is quite a balance. You must agree," Ruto argued.

The president added that his administration would work with all the institutions, adding that he had requested the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to provide a proper advisory on salaries and wages.

Ruto highlights corrupt civil servant

Elsewhere, Ruto blamed the Judiciary for being the stumbling block against the fight against corruption.

On Tuesday, August 1, during the signing of performance contracts for Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries at State House, Nairobi, Ruto claimed some judges collude with corrupt government officials.

Ruto gave an example of a lady he used to work in the Ministry of Transport but was allegedly very corrupt.

The head of state claimed the lady in question used to buy off judges in case she was transferred from the ministry.