• Written by: thetruth
• July 13, 2013
• Categories: Protests
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Pigs Return to Haunt MPs in Pay Protest

In a dramatic protest against legislators’ relentless pursuit of higher salaries, activists staged a bold demonstration at the entrance of Kenya’s Parliament Buildings. A giant pig effigy, symbolizing what they termed as “greed” among Members of Parliament (MPs), was paraded and doused with animal blood, creating a striking visual representation of their outrage. The demonstration was not just symbolic; activists also hurled bottles of blood mixed with dung at MPs’ cars, further amplifying their message. The stench and the spectacle served as a stark reminder of the growing discontent among citizens over what they see as unjustified demands by lawmakers for higher pay.

A Protest Against Greed and Inequality

The protest was sparked by MPs’ controversial demand to increase their monthly salary from Sh532,500 to Sh851,000, a move that activists decried as selfish and insensitive to the economic struggles faced by ordinary Kenyans. Demonstrators, including prominent activists and artists, wore T-shirts and carried banners with bold messages, likening the legislators’ actions to betrayal on the scale of biblical Judas Iscariot. The march began at Uhuru Park’s Freedom Corner, proceeding toward Parliament as protesters chanted slogans against corruption and greed. This was not the first time pigs had been used in such a demonstration; the symbolism had become a recurring theme in protests against lawmakers’ excessive demands.

Strategic Demonstration and Public Support

Unlike previous protests that faced police resistance, this one was met with an unexpected level of restraint. Activists had strategically aligned their grievances with the plight of underpaid public servants, including teachers and police officers, making it difficult for law enforcement to crack down on them without public backlash. Cleverly, one protester even wore a banner advocating better police wages, a move that subtly won over law enforcement officers present at the scene. This tactical approach ensured that the protest remained largely peaceful, avoiding the usual confrontations that have characterized similar demonstrations in the past.

A Call for Accountability and Justice

The protest was more than just about salaries—it was a broader indictment of MPs’ continued attempts to manipulate the system for personal gain while disregarding constitutional processes. Constitutional lawyer Prof. Yash Pal Ghai and other activists expressed concerns over Parliament’s consistent obstruction of reforms, warning that such self-serving actions threaten Kenya’s economic stability and democratic progress. As protests against political excesses continue to grow, it is clear that public patience is wearing thin. Whether lawmakers will heed these warnings and act in the best interests of the people remains to be seen, but the message from the streets was loud and clear—Kenyans are no longer willing to sit back and watch their leaders prioritize personal wealth over national well-being.