Investigative journalist Mohammed Ali alias Jicho Pevu. He has said the change of status that came with his ascent to Parliament has been met with tremendous expectations from the electorate. [PHOTO/the-star.co.ke]
Investigative journalist Mohammed Ali alias Jicho Pevu is a man still grappling with the change of status that came with being elected to Parliament.
Jicho Pevu said the high demand by his electorate in terms of handouts has been hard to meet with most of those on the ground perceiving politicians like him as millionaires.
“People still have the perception that politicians have millions, which they should give to people when they meet," he said.
"They also believe that all MPs are in Parliament to make money and not to serve the electorate,” he added.
However, the Nyali legislator has insisted that he does not dish out handouts but instead channels his support to youth and women groups with investment ideas.
He points out that though his stance has earned him enemies, he will go ahead with it as it was the only way to end the culture of handouts, whose only result is more poverty.
“I want somebody to come to me and say he has an idea but needs money to execute it, or that he does not have a job so that I help in finding him one but not that he wants a few coins to use today and the following day he is begging again,” Ali said.
He said he wants to sponsor a bill compelling the government to construct a referral hospital in Mombasa to increase employment opportunities.
He revealed that he is also working on bringing another bill to force the government to increase the pay for police officers.