Raila slams MPs for usurping county functions, says CDF is unconstitutional

Raila Odinga speaks during the signing of an agreement between ODM and UDA at KICC, March 7, 2025. /RAILA ODINGA/X

ODM leader Raila Odinga has come out strongly against members of National Assembly accusing them of overstepping their mandate and underming devolution by taking over roles meant for the devolved units.

Speaking during burial of former Kisumu Town MP Kenn Nyagudi in Gem constituency, Siaya county, Raila criticised the growing tendency where MPs are increasingly turned themselves into contractors and managing projects that are constitutionally meant for governors.

Raila, a long-time champion of devolution – warned that the blurring of lines between the two levels of governments' responsibilities could roll back the devolution gains.

The opposition chief particularly took issue with the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), which he claimed is one of the avenues MPs are using to encroach into county functions.

“The courts were clear that NG-CDF were unconstitutional, if they (MPs) don’t change it will be an election agenda in the coming elections,” Raila said.

The veteran opposition leader also raised concerns with MPs move to control Roads Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF) which he noted is a devolved function.

“MPs' role is legislate, oversight and representation, they have no business building roads, hospitals and schools,” a charged Raila said.

Raila was accompanied governors James Orengo (Siaya), Anyang’ Nyong’o (Kisumu), Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga and a host of ODM MPs from the area.

Speaking at the same function, Orengo lauded Raila for his remarks to the effect that the party will field candidates in all positions in the next elections.

Raila indicated on Saturday at the Coast that ODM will challenge President William Ruto in 2027.

Orengo while welcoming the pronouncement insisted that ODM must not be comfortable with the status quo, calling on supporters to brace for epic battle against government in the next elections.

“I was very happy with your speech in Coast last week, if we want to move ahead we must be ready to challenge the status quo,” Orengo said.

Nyong’o warned of some characters whom he accused of splashing money to influence the outcome of ODM grassroots polls.

Nyong’o called on party supporters to shun such leaders whom he maintained have nothing to offer but only to wreck the outfit from within.

“Our nationwide grassroots elections are underway and I want to urge you to shun violence during such activities,” Nyong’o noted.

“There are people who are out to buy people left, right and center; these people are destroying our party and we must resist such characters.”

Oburu called for peace during the exercise that has witnessed flushes of violence especially in Migori, Homa Bay and parts of Nakuru counties.

The senator also took a swipe at other Azimio leaders led by Kalonzo Musyoka, telling them to stop dragging ODM into their political woes.

“Azimio should leave us alone, if they think the path we have taken to solve the country’s problems is not the right one then let them do the right one,” Oburu stated.