Nairobi: Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo has cleared his name over controversy with his ODM party leader Raila Odinga regarding the controversial remarks on the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF). The MP stated that ODM was the architect of the ongoing public participation motion concerning the NG-CDF kitty, which was quashed by the Court of Appeal last year.

According to Kenya News Agency, Otiende, who is the sponsor of the Constitutional Amendment Bill, asserted that the entrenchment of the NG-CDF into the Constitution was a recommendation from the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, adopted on February 25, 2024, with Raila supporting this recommendation. “The NADCO co-chaired by Kalonzo Musyoka and Kimani Ichungwa found it necessary that NG-CDF should be entrenched into the Constitution,” Otiende stated. He emphasized that his actions were guided by instructions from Raila, acting as the representative of the people of Rarieda.

The ODM leader has recently called for the abolition of the NG-CDF kitty, suggesting that the funds should be redirected to counties to bolster devolution. During a past function in Siaya county, Raila argued that MPs should focus on legislation, oversight, and representation instead of undertaking development projects, which are the mandate of county governments.

Dr. Otiende, speaking during the Bill’s public participation exercise in his constituency, mentioned that Parliament would consider removing the word ‘Development’ from the National Government Constituency Development Fund, renaming it the National Government Fund (NGCF). This change aims to address concerns about MPs’ involvement in development projects. “We are going to change the name from NG-CDF to NGCF so that we are not involved in development, but I want to assure my people that I will represent them well,” Otiende assured his constituents.

Otiende observed that while counties need more financial resources, they cannot benefit from the dissolution of NG-CDF as they lack the constitutional mandate to support the development and growth of primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, including universities. Consequently, these institutions would not receive funding even if NG-CDF were abolished.

The Rarieda MP encouraged Kenyans to freely express their opinions on the Bill, whether supporting its entrenchment or opposing it. During the event, the NG-CDF kitty disbursed Sh8 million for bursaries to students in tertiary institutions and universities, along with an additional Sh1.2 million from the Uwezo fund to support 22 development groups in the Rarieda constituency.