MPs Storm Out of Parliament Over CDF Allocations
MPs Storm Out of Parliament Over CDF Allocations
MPs Storm Out of Parliament Over CDF Allocations
On Tuesday, legislators stormed out of the building, claiming they had not received a response to their grievances regarding the National Government Constituencies Development Funds (NGCDF) despite vigorous lobbying. Together with a group of opposition MPs led by Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, the Kenya Kwanza MPs asked Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah for clarification so they could work with the Treasury to get the money released right away.
Speaking to his colleagues, Ichung’wah said that the issue would be resolved by Thursday, when Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u is expected to have returned from the COP 28 conference in Dubai.
The members of parliament, on the other hand, found this to be inconvenient as they desired an immediate solution to the problem rather than delaying it. Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Gladys Boss found it difficult to keep the lawmakers in line when they started jeering and heckling Ichung’wah.
“Honorable members, please stop denying yourselves. We are attempting to schedule the Treasury CS’s arrival. Boss said, “Consult with the Majority Leader because members are leaving before they receive the answer.”
“Honorable members, you are not giving yourself a chance to respond.”A few moments later, a group of enraged MPs rushed out of Parliament with the slogan “No CDF, No Parliament.”Ichung’wah announced that the subject would be postponed until Thursday, which sparked the chaos. The MPs began to boo at this point, demanding that the House adjourn until the funds are released.
Amidst criticism from colleagues, Ichung’wah said, “When a conflict arises between a CS, a PS, a chair of a board, and the people of Kikuyu, the latter take greater precedence than anyone else and that is why I’m pleading with you to allow me to finish.” The majority leader made an effort to persuade the lawmakers that the bursary money, which had caused operations in the counties to stop, were the most important issue.
“The majority of us are concerned about bursary funds. At least 40% of the cash must be distributed before the schools open. Treasury CS, who is a member of the COP 28 delegation, will be returning to the nation. I will offer an update when he gets there.”
