ODM leader Raila Odinga has launched a scathing attack on Members of Parliament, accusing them of usurping county functions and undermining the spirit of devolution. Speaking during the burial of former Kisumu Town MP Kenn Nyagudi in Gem, Siaya County, Raila warned that the growing trend of MPs managing development projects such as roads, hospitals, and schools was a direct violation of the Constitution.
“MPs’ role is to legislate, provide oversight, and represent the people they have no business building roads, hospitals, and schools,” Raila stated emphatically, reiterating that such responsibilities lie with county governments.
The former Prime Minister singled out the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) as one of the key avenues through which MPs were encroaching on devolved functions. He reminded the gathering that courts had previously declared NG-CDF unconstitutional, warning that failure to respect this ruling could make the matter a campaign issue in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Raila also criticized MPs’ attempt to control the Roads Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF), noting that roads, except for major highways, fall under the purview of counties.
He was flanked by Siaya Governor James Orengo, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, and a number of ODM lawmakers from the region.
Governor Orengo backed Raila’s sentiments, stressing that ODM must challenge the current political status quo and prepare for a fierce electoral battle in 2027. He welcomed Raila’s earlier declaration in the Coast that ODM would field candidates for all elective positions.
Nyong’o, on his part, warned of emerging factions within ODM that were using money to manipulate grassroots elections. He urged party members to reject such leaders who, he claimed, were working to destabilize the party from within.
Oburu Oginga called for peaceful grassroots polls and urged Azimio leaders to respect ODM’s independent political direction. “If they believe we are wrong, they are free to choose their own path,” he said.
