Raila: I don’t care about losing popularity over NG-CDF remarks
By Kiprono Keileb, August 27, 2025ODM leader Raila Odinga has reignited the debate on the controversial National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), insisting that its existence undermines Kenya’s devolved system of governance.
Speaking during Katiba Day celebrations at the Kenya International Convention Centre (KICC) on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, Raila called for a national dialogue that could culminate in a referendum on whether MPs should continue managing development funds.
Raila argued that the Constitution clearly provides for devolution at two levels, national and county, leaving no room for Parliament to directly implement development projects.
“Devolution is at two levels, the national and county levels. It is not right for the national parliament to jump the county government and get another unit below the county government and call it NGCDF,” he said.
He faulted MPs for overstepping their constitutional role by managing funds meant for development, instead of focusing on legislation, representation, and oversight.
“The money that we are giving to the people to implement projects in the constituency, give it to the Counties to be the ones to implement and Parliament to do what the Constitution mandates them to do, representation, legislation and oversight,” Raila stated.
Conflict of interest
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.
“People cannot accept that Parliament is implementing and doing oversight at the same time,” he emphasised.
He challenged proponents of the NG-CDF amendments in Parliament to subject the matter to the people through a referendum.
“These amendments that you brought to Parliament, bring it there, but let us take it to the people. Let’s take it to a referendum and test if people will accept that a Member of Parliament is implementing and overseeing at the same time. Iende kwa wananchi,” Raila said to applause.
Standing his ground
Raila acknowledged that his stand has not been well received by some quarters, particularly MPs who view NG-CDF as a tool for political visibility. However, he remained firm that defending constitutionalism and strengthening devolution was more important than short-term political popularity.
“I know this stand is making me very unpopular,” he admitted, pausing before adding with emphasis, “but I just don’t care. I will stand my ground on this issue,” he said
His remarks are likely to intensify the national debate on NG-CDF, which has survived multiple legal challenges despite concerns that it undermines the spirit of devolution. By daring to confront the fund head-on, Raila has positioned himself once again at the heart of Kenya’s constitutional discourse, even if it costs him political capital.