Keep off CDF kitty, board tells leaders

The CDF board has accused critics of being jealous and lying about the legality of the fund.

Constituency Development Fund management and two Orange MPs claimed senators, woman representatives and governors are jealous. They told them to stop salivating for the Sh33 billion fund.

CDF board Chairman Elias Mbau (Maragwa) said the fund has “overwhelming support”.

“The people saying the fund was outlawed are wrong. Let them make informed comments. The fund was never outlawed, only four out of 40 clauses require to be amended,” said Mr Mbau.

DECLARED ILLEGAL

MPs Peter Kaluma (Homa Bay Town) and his Suna West counterpart Joseph Ndiege said even though the High Court declared CDF illegal in February, the money would never go to the governors.

The lawmakers claimed contrary to what the leaders have been saying, the fund was not entirely outlawed, but some sections were declared unconstitutional.

However, they warned that with their budget-making role, it would be defeatist not to have the MPs in the fund decision making stages.

“Other leaders pushing for their own fund should stop. If you want to be in charge of CDF, vie for an MP’s seat, not a senator, a woman representative or governor,” Mr Kaluma said at Social Hall Kisumu on Monday.

Mr Mbau, Mr Kaluma and Mr Ndiege were speaking in Kisumu. The board was in the county to collect views from residents of Kisumu, Siaya and Homa Bay counties on how to amend the CDF Act.

The High Court gave MPs one year to align the fund with the Constitution.

Governors have intensified efforts to wrest the management of the fund from the MPs, saying it is a devolved function.

DRAFT BILL

Woman representatives are seeking a Sh2 billion fund to work in the counties and senators are asking for a Sh1 billion kitty.

“Let everyone stick to their duties. Leave the fund to us. I have no problem if I am removed from the CDF committee, but we need to protect the fund at all costs. It has been of great help to Kenyans,” said Mr Kaluma.

Mr Mbau said the committee wanted to finish the draft Bill so that it can receive funds in the next financial year.

“MPs have factored in money for the CDF because we believe we are going to have the draft Bill ready and will have aligned CDF to the Constitution when we finish this process on June 30,” said Mr Mbau.

The CDF board has visited Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, and Kakamega counties and will today be in Kisii.