[President Pombe Magufuki of Tanzania in a past event. He has revealed his monthly salary. Photo/thecitizen]
Tanzanian President John Magufuli may be the lowly paid president in the world at least according to his own admission on a live television address on Tuesday.
Magufuli, a former Roads Minister and immediate successor of Jakaya Kikwete, has been hitting headlines on his strict adherence to the rule of law manifested in disciplinary actions he takes against ‘lazy’ public servants.
In a stern warning apparently targeting public servants agitating for pay hikes, Magufuli said he only takes home Sh9 million which roughly translates to $4000.
“There are Chief Officers who wants to earn more despite our struggling economy. My salary is only Sh 9 million and that is the truth,” he said; amid applaud from members of the public.
He further said:” Whoever wants to do the job let them do and those who are not willing should pave way for those who are ready and willing.”
Interestingly, Magufuli’s salary is thrice lower than what President Uhuru Kenyatta takes home and slightly a quarter of what Kikwete received.