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By Nicholas Wambua
Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse has come out strongly in defense of the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), criticizing opposition leader Raila Odinga for his stance against the fund. The legislator made the remarks on Monday at St. Antony Itiani Secondary School in Nguu/Masumba Ward, where he presided over the issuance of bursary cheques worth Ksh. 75.4 million.
The funds, drawn from NG-CDF, are aimed at supporting vulnerable students across the constituency and neighboring regions as schools reopen. Mutuse said the bursaries are a deliberate intervention to cushion parents from tough economic times and to ensure that learners remain in school.
“The NG-CDF is a lifeline for thousands of families. The money we are issuing today will change lives and secure futures,” said Mutuse.
In a strongly-worded statement, the MP criticized Raila Odinga for opposing the NG-CDF, calling his views misinformed and out of touch with the realities at the grassroots.
“Constitutionally, NG-CDF is not in contradiction with devolution. The Supreme Court confirmed this in the landmark ruling of Senate & 3 others vs. Speaker of the National Assembly & 10 others. NG-CDF supports national government functions — not county ones,” Mutuse clarified.
He added that the NG-CDF is a form of decentralization, not devolution, and emphasized that every level of government is allowed to decentralize services to better reach citizens.
“Those who say MPs control NG-CDF are living in the past. Under the 2023 NG-CDF Act, legislators only play oversight and representative roles. We are neither patrons nor members of its committees,” he said.
Mutuse further warned that abolishing the fund would deal a heavy blow to grassroots development.
“If NG-CDF is scrapped, the money will not go to counties — it will return to national ministries in Nairobi. That would be a tragic reversal for local development. Right now, services are reaching people almost automatically — why disrupt that?” he posed.
He urged leaders to focus on advocating for more resources to be brought closer to the people instead of sabotaging existing gains.
The event was attended by a large crowd, including Deputy County Commissioners (DCCs), National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) from Nzaui, Makindu, and Kibwezi, and Members of County Assembly (MCAs) from Nguu/Masumba, Kikumbulyu North, and Emali/Mulala.
“We shall continue to defend NG-CDF and ensure it remains a tool of progress for our people,” Mutuse affirmed.
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