MPs slam Raila for allegedly interfering with NG-CDF

A section of Members of Parliament from the Western region has launched a scathing attack on ODM leader Raila Odinga, accusing him of meddling in efforts to entrench the National Government- Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) in the Constitution.

Matungu MP Peter Oscar Nabulindo, speaking on Wednesday during a public meeting, urged his party leader not to get involved in this matter.

“Mr. Raila, you are above these matters. We respect you as a prominent leader, but please get out of this  NG-CDF case. We are just kids before you, and with all the respect we have for you, kindly don't be part,” he said.

According to Nabulindo, Raila should not take any sides with governors or senators but uphold his long-standing call for the strengthening of devolution.

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“Let it not look like you are acting in favour of the governors or senators. We are the people who are on the ground because, for instance, if you come to Matungu constituency, I will be the one to welcome you as the area MP,” said Nabulindo.

The MP added that they have their ways of dealing with the governors.

“You (Raila) as our leader, if we see you interested in this issue, we see that you are plotting division among us,” he added.

Nabulindo urged Raila to stop what he termed as unnecessary interference and instead join hands with lawmakers to improve the fund’s accountability mechanisms rather than seek its removal.

Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya also warned the former prime minister for involving himself in the NG-CDF and NGAAF case.

“If Raila thinks he owns this country, let him stop the CDF public participation forums. If he truly believes he is another arm of government, let him go ahead and stop it,” said Salasya.

The vocal MP declared that Parliament would proceed with plans to anchor CDF in the Constitution, whether ODM leader likes it or not, asserting that most Kenyans support the fund.

“This is the plain truth. We are going to show Raila that he is an ordinary citizen with one vote. The majority have spoken, CDF is here to stay,” he said.

Sirisia MP John Waluke said they will not allow CDF to be removed.

“We will not allow CDF to be removed, and if Raila wants his respect, Raila Odinga, whom we respect so much, let him not touch CDF because he is inserting fingers in our buttocks. We won't allow because if he wants disrespect, we will serve him,” said Waluke.

Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka maintained that no one can succeed in stripping off NG-CDF from lawmakers, maintaining that a lot has been done by the kitty than what has been achieved by governors.

"Anyone thinking he can do away with CDF is daydreaming; many people have benefited with the funds, especially the needy, the education sector, and other areas have been greatly improved with the NG-CDF funds," said Aseka.

The Supreme Court had previously ruled that the current structure of the fund violates the doctrine of separation of powers.

However, MPs argue that CDF remains a critical development tool, especially in rural constituencies, and are pushing for constitutional amendments  to safeguard its future