Jared Okoth Okode Critiques MCA Position Over Remuneration Levels

Businessman Jared Okoth Okode, popularly known as General Defao, has publicly dismissed the office of the Member of County Assembly (MCA), characterizing the role as financially unattractive compared to other sectors. Okode, who previously sought the elective seat, stated that the compensation and perks associated with the position are insufficient to justify the responsibilities of the office.

Comparative Remuneration and Resignation

During his remarks, Okode compared the MCA salary unfavorably to entry-level retail work, suggesting that the financial returns do not align with the public perception of the role. He revealed that his decision to withdraw from the political pursuit was directly influenced by what he termed “meagre perks” that come with the ward representative seat.

“I ran for MCA and stopped because the seat is small. The money for an MCA—it is even better to be employed in a supermarket,” Okode stated, emphasizing his preference for private-sector employment over the current legislative pay structure.

The Role of the MCA in Governance

The Member of County Assembly is a foundational legislative role in Kenya’s devolved system, tasked with oversight of county budgets and the representation of ward-level interests. However, the position has frequently been the subject of debate regarding the adequacy of salaries and allowances provided by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).

Okode’s comments highlight a growing sentiment among some political aspirants who view the ward-level seat as lacking the economic weight found in national-level politics or high-end commercial ventures.

This critique comes at a time when ward representatives across various counties have occasionally lobbied for better terms of service to match the rising cost of living and the demands of their constituents. By framing the role as “insignificant” in financial terms, Okode’s statement brings into focus the tension between public service motivations and the economic realities of political office at the grassroots level.