- Raila wants Kenyans to decide in a referendum on abolishing NG-CDF.
- He insists devolution must be strengthened, even at political cost.
- MPs defend the fund, accusing Raila of interfering in their role.
- Governors back Raila, saying NG-CDF undermines the constitution.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has called for a referendum to determine whether the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) should be scrapped and its resources redirected to counties.
Speaking during Katiba Day celebrations on Tuesday, Raila, whose ODM party is in a working deal with President William Ruto’s administration, said he would not retreat from the fight to strengthen devolution.
“Even if it costs me politically, I don’t care. I am unrelenting until it is achieved,” Raila said.
While pushing for reforms, Raila also asked Kenyans to reflect on the structure of government. He noted that with 47 counties, Kenya is only three short of the United States, which operates 50 states.
His remarks echo governors’ long-held concerns that MPs’ control of NG-CDF weakens the 2010 constitution’s vision of devolution.
The proposal has stirred tension in parliament, where MPs insist NG-CDF is crucial for grassroots projects. They accuse Raila of overstepping into matters reserved for lawmakers.
“Let him handle his own political matters and leave parliament to lawmakers,” one legislator remarked.
The clash has slowed legislative business, with senators accusing MPs of delaying county funding in retaliation.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah added fuel to the fire by alleging that governors misuse county money to “pimp girlfriends, boost VIP motorcades and create micro kingdoms.”
Governors dismissed the claims as political theatre aimed at shielding NG-CDF from scrutiny.
President William Ruto has tried to calm tensions by promising increased allocations to counties while urging governors to fix leakages and improve local revenue collection.
Raila’s push, however, places him in a tight spot as both a government partner and a devolution champion, challenging parliamentary power. The referendum call could test his alliance with Ruto and reshape the debate on how national resources should be shared.
