ODM MPs Clash With Raila Over Calls to Scrap NG-CDF
A storm is brewing inside the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after some MPs openly clashed with party leader Raila Odinga. The lawmakers opposed Raila’s proposal to scrap the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) and transfer it to counties.
Raila’s Push Sparks Outrage
During the recent devolution conference, Raila argued NG-CDF undermines devolution. He insisted MPs should focus on their core mandate.
“MPs are meant to legislate, oversee, and represent. The use of constituency funds goes beyond what the Constitution assigns them. NG-CDF has become obsolete under devolution and should instead be managed by counties,” Raila said.
However, ODM MPs are furious. They say Raila’s stand threatens education, infrastructure, and security projects that depend on NG-CDF.
“Do Not Mislead Our Party Leader”
Led by Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Ombane Gisairo, the MPs cautioned Raila’s inner circle. They claimed his advisors risk misguiding him on the matter.
“Those surrounding our party leader should be on the watch so as not to misadvise him. His respect should not go down because of bad advice,” Gisairo warned.
The MP insisted NG-CDF has transformed classrooms, bursaries, and local development projects. He said scrapping it would deny millions of children a chance at education.
MPs Defend CDF as “Here to Stay”
Matuga MP Kassim Tandaza also stood firm. He stressed that NG-CDF has already proven its worth and must be protected.
“Anyone against CDF should know that the fund is here to stay. Leaders will come and go, but the fund will remain,” he said.
The MPs argued that the fund enjoys support across the political divide. They maintained that NG-CDF bridges development gaps at the grassroots and remains a lifeline for struggling families.
Bipartisan Stand Against Raila
ODM MPs now find themselves in rare agreement with colleagues from rival parties. Many legislators see NG-CDF as a non-negotiable tool for equity. They vowed to resist any attempt to weaken or transfer the fund to counties.
At the heart of the clash is a battle between Raila’s vision of stronger county governments and MPs’ defense of direct constituency control.
A Party Divided
This confrontation has deepened tensions in ODM. Raila remains firm that devolution cannot succeed while MPs handle development funds. His allies, however, believe people on the ground still rely on NG-CDF for survival.
The rift now threatens to widen as Raila faces rebellion from within his own party ranks. With elections on the horizon, the fate of NG-CDF could become a defining political battle.
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ODM MPs Clash With Raila Over Calls to Scrap NG-CDF
