I Don’t Care: Raila Defies Pressure, Insists MPs Drop NG-CDF

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has reignited a heated debate over the role of Members of Parliament (MPs).
Speaking on Wednesday during the Katiba Day Celebrations, Raila called for a referendum to determine whether legislators should be allowed to both implement and oversee public funds.
“Parliament is constitutionally mandated to do representation, legislation, and oversight. If you are a contractor and an MP, who is overseeing you?” Raila asked.
The former Prime Minister’s remarks directly challenge thecurrent structure of the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF),which allows MPs to initiate and manage development projects in their constituencies.
Raila argued that the dual role creates a conflict of interest and undermines accountability. He insisted that development should be left to county governments, which are constitutionally mandated to implement local projects.
“We are not opposed to merging projects at the constituency, but under this constitution, constituency is not a devolved unit; devolution has two levels, National and county level, it is not right for the National Government to jump the County Government and create another unit below the county government where you call it NG, that is not necessary,’’ Raila explained.
According to Raila, Constituencies should work through the county government.
To settle the matter, Railahas challenged that it be taken up for a referendum.According to Raila, he was aware that this stand would make him unpopular, but he revealed that it would not stop him.
“I have said this amendment that you brought to parliament is there, but let us take it to the people, let us take it to a referendum and test if the people would accept. Let us see if the people can accept that Members of parliament can be overseeing and also implementing at the same time,’’ Raila said.
“Over this, there is no compromise, tunaenda kwa wananachi, I know this particular stand will make me unpopular, but I just don’t care, I stand my ground on this matter,’’ the ODM party leader continued.
Speaking during the same event, Raila also revealed instances where Kenya has failed, taking it aback from the mandate of the 2010 constitution. He blamed the National Police Service for letting the country down through abuse of the right to life, degradation of human dignity, torture, and denial have increased under the watch of the NPS.
Raila also expressed his wish that the current IEBC would stand out and shield Kenya from the same problem it has been facing since 1992.
“IEBC equally stands out as an institution that has made no progress in securing for Kenyans what they sought. The same issues that Kenyans faced in 1992 still hound us. Confidence in the commission remains extremely low. Our elections are some of the most expensive in the world,’’ Raila said.