In a passionate address on Friday, opposition leader Raila Odinga launched a scathing attack on Members of Parliament (MPs), accusing them of withholding vital funds from counties for their selfish gain. Raila’s remarks came amid the ongoing standoff in Parliament over the allocation of county funds, particularly in light of the Division of Revenue Bill, 2024, which is currently under intense negotiation.
Raila was clear in his criticism, pointing the finger at MPs for allegedly undermining devolution and the financial well-being of county governments. According to him, the lawmakers are not only delaying the transfer of funds but are also attempting to appropriate them for personal political gain. Raila claimed that MPs are using the funds allocated to counties to further their control over local development projects, while simultaneously directing more money towards the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NGCDF) and the Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF). These funds, he argued, give MPs undue power to initiate, oversee, and implement projects in their constituencies, creating a conflict of interest.
“These funds give MPs the power to conceive, implement projects, and oversee them at the same time,” Raila said. “It is clear that they want to solidify their hold on power by taking money meant for counties and using it to further their own agendas.”
The root of the standoff lies in a disagreement over the exact amount of funding counties should receive in the financial year 2024/25. The Senate and the National Assembly have been at odds, with the Senate pushing for a higher allocation of Sh400 billion to counties, while the National Assembly has proposed a lower sum of Sh380 billion. The dispute has sparked a wave of criticism from devolution supporters, who argue that the lower amount would undermine the capacity of county governments to provide essential services.
Raila took issue with the MPs’ attempt to meddle in the distribution of revenue between the National Government and counties, a matter he believes is already clearly outlined in the Constitution. “The law is very clear on how revenue should be shared between the National Government and county governments,” Raila argued. “Yet we see MPs trying to change the terms for their own benefit. This is a blatant disregard for the Constitution.”
In addition to the disagreement over funding, Raila also expressed concern over the growing trend of MPs becoming contractors for government-funded projects. He pointed out several cases where MPs are not only overseeing projects but are also the contractors responsible for their implementation. “We have a situation where an MP himself is the contractor. There are several cases where the President is going to open a road and the MP is the contractor. This is shameful,” Raila lamented.
The ongoing impasse has seen the formation of an 18-member Mediation Committee, tasked with resolving the deadlock. The committee, co-chaired by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and Mandera Senator Ali Roba, met again this week to discuss the allocation of funds and seek common ground. Nyoro explained that the National Assembly had settled on the Sh380 billion allocation due to the current fiscal constraints, following an earlier revision of the national budget from Sh4.2 trillion to a more limited figure. He emphasized that while the National Assembly supports devolution, the austerity measures require careful balancing of the budget.
Roba echoed Nyoro’s sentiments, noting the importance of devolution and ensuring that counties are adequately funded to continue their role in serving the public. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the revised revenue projections but underscored the need for a solution that supports both the national and county governments.
As negotiations continue, the fate of county funding remains uncertain. The Mediation Committee is working to find a middle ground, weighing factors such as revenue shortfalls, historical revenue performance, and the financial needs of counties. The issue is critical, as adequate county funding is essential for the smooth functioning of local governments, particularly in the face of growing demands for services.
Raila’s condemnation of MPs is a timely reminder of the ongoing struggle for a fair and equitable distribution of resources between the national and county governments. The outcome of this dispute will have far-reaching implications for devolution, local governance, and the well-being of millions of Kenyans who rely on county services. As the Mediation Committee continues its work, it remains to be seen whether MPs will put the interests of their constituents above their personal political ambitions.
