Uproar as Kenyan MPs query status of Sh35b NCDF kitty

MPs yesterday threatened not to pass the budget estimates following a court case seeking to declare the National Constituency Development Fund (NCDF) unconstitutional.

There was an uproar during the afternoon session, with MPs demanding to know if the court case will affect the release of Sh35 billion factored in the 2016-2017 budget.

The MPs are seeking to armtwist the Treasury to release NCDF money despite the suit whose outcome could have far-reaching implications.

The lawmakers vowed to starve the Government of money until there is an assurance that funds will be disbursed to their constituency accounts.

"If there is no CDF, there is no budget, we will stop the budget process unless this is secured. If we go to any part in this county, there is no development with all the money allocated to governors," said Leader of Minority Francis Nyenze (Kitui West) as he led other MPs in singing 'No CDF, no budget" petition.

The court case filed by the Institute for Social Accountability seeks a declaration that the fund is unconstitutional as it infringes on the principle of separation of powers and raises issues of conflict of interest.

According to the petitioners, National CDF is an amorphous fund that does not fall either under the county government or the national government, the implication being that it stands on legal quick sand.

Despite pleas from Leader of Majority Aden Duale that the MPs approve a motion to adopt of the budget estimates, the MPs refused to waver and instead continued chanting.