ODM MPs Clash With Raila Over Latest Statement

A section of Members of Parliament allied to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party have openly criticised their party leader, Raila Odinga, over his push to transfer the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) to counties.
The MPs argued that Raila’s proposal would deny millions of children opportunities to access education, noting that the fund has played a central role in building classrooms, funding bursaries, and improving learning facilities across the country.
They further stated that NG-CDF has been instrumental in security infrastructure projects, such as the construction of police posts and community facilities, and should not be scrapped or shifted from constituencies.
Led by Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Ombane Gisairo, the lawmakers urged Raila’s advisors not to mislead 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,” said Gesare.
Matuga MP Kassim Tandaza added that NG-CDF had already proven its worth in transforming lives and should be safeguarded.
“Anyone against CDF should know that the fund is here to stay. Leaders will come and go, but the fund will remain,” he remarked.
The MPs maintained that NG-CDF enjoys bipartisan support in Parliament, with many legislators agreeing that it remains a vital tool in addressing development gaps at the constituency level. They pledged toresist any attempts to weaken or transfer it.
Raila, while addressing the annual devolution conference last week, had said NG-CDF undermines devolution and should be managed by county governments.
He argued that MPs should strictly focus on their core mandate of legislation, oversight, and representation, noting that the use of constituency funds goes beyond the roles assigned to them by the Constitution.
According to Raila, such funds have become obsolete under the devolved governance system and no longer serve a meaningful purpose,adding that their functions should instead be managed by county governmentsfor efficiency and accountability.