Kindiki stunned by Raila’s political immunity after NG-CDF backlash
By Luke Oluoch, August 27, 2025Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has expressed his astonishment over Raila Odinga’s capacity to fend off backlash, citing his stance on the NG-CDF controversy as a case in point.
Speaking during the Katiba Day commemoration at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre this Wednesday, August 27, 2025, Kindiki said that only Raila could get away with such a bold stance.
“In this room, only Raila Odinga can get away with some of the statements he has made, especially the last one. He says he knows what the mood is, but he really does not care,” Kindiki said while reacting to Raila’s sentiments on his tough stance on how the CDF funds should be administered.
The former prime minister has run into a collision course over his firm stance that the devolved functions should be domiciled in counties, with the MPs ceding the functions of the National Government Constituency Development (NGCDF) to counties for implementation.
Raila on CDF
Raila has remained adamant that members of Parliament should not administer the funds while retaining the function of oversight as lawmakers.
Odinga further criticised the dual role MPs play when they implement projects through NG-CDF while still exercising oversight over the same. According to him, this blurs accountability and weakens the constitutional order.
While responding to criticism directed his way recently following his firm standing, Raila highlighted the need for a fresh examination of constitutional parts that have been problematic.
“I believe the time has come for the country to re-look at the whole issue of devolution. Kenya, in my view, is too tiny for 47 devolved units. We are just five short of the US, which is a continent. Nigeria, with over 200 million people, has 34, and South Africa has nine,” he stated.
He stated that the time had come to re-examine the whole issue of devolution with regard to the proper functioning of the devolved units. In his opinion, the devolution as currently constituted cannot adequately cater to the needs of a burgeoning population.
Referendum
“I won’t advocate for the abolition of any county, but I believe we are ripe for a three-tier system that includes county, regional, and national government.” Raila proposed the use of a referendum, stating that the wananchi should be the final decision-makers over the matter if a consensus cannot be achieved.
He concluded by cautioning that the constitution provides for the wananchi to exercise sovereignty directly, which he says could be an option for the masses if those vested with power do not take their mandates with utmost seriousness.