Parents open war with LSK over kitty

Parents have appealed to the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) to desist from undermining the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), saying it supports many children from poor backgrounds.

They particularly want the lawyers’ lobby to withdraw a court petition against the fund.

National Parents Association (NPA) chairman Silas Obuhatsa (pictured below) yesterday termed it as ‘unfortunate, disappointing and unacceptable’ that LSK cannot appreciate the critical role NG-CDF has been playing over the years.

As he condemned LSK actions, Obuhatsa declared that parents will also seek legal redress should the kitty be disallowed.

“We cannot afford to lose all these gains at a time when the nation is undergoing hard times in terms of economic status. Parents deserve all the Government’s support. We are ready to meet in court should there be need on behalf of our over 20 million parents who are our members,” Obuhatsa said in a press conference held in Nairobi, yesterday.

Heavy burden

He also said Members of the National Assembly are faced with a heavy burden of providing bursaries for needy students.

Obuhatsa explained that this support is only possible through the NG-CDF kitty, which is meant to support the education of millions of poor children, among them orphans and those with disabilities across all constituencies. Last month, Attorney General Justin Muturi allowed disbursement of the funds, having advised that the NG-CDF Act of 2015 remains in force until such express declaration is formally made by the High Court or other superior courts.

The Government reinstated the NG-CDF last month, with Treasury lining up to Sh2 billion disbursements starting December 9.

LSK, however, is seeking to be part of a petition challenging the legality of the kitty.

NPA joined in the debate, saying LSK is a team of highly learned lawyers, some of whom went to school because of CDF and are now undermining the rights of innocent poor children, whose parents cannot afford education without such support.

“…  In fact, we demand immediate disbandment of the society should it not respect the rights of the President, Parliament and parents and their school going children,” Obuhatsa stated.