Join referundum push to save CDF, Raila tells MPs

In a statement sent to newsrooms, Mr Raila said that the CDF Act can only be legalised through referendum and appealed to MPs from across the political divide to support the incorporation of the CDF Act into the Constitution through a referendum.

“Although the court found the system as unconstitutional it has given the National Government 12 months to regularise the matter and align it to the new constitutional dispensation. This however can only be done through a referendum,” read part of the statement.

Raila further noted that CORD is seeking a meeting with MPs, Senators and Governors from across the political divide to discuss ways of securing the future of the CDF system in ways that it will continue to exist in the Constitution.

The coalition has tasked the Committee of Experts of the Okoa Kenya Movement with the responsibility of drafting proposals for the amendment which will be part of the negotiations to secure and entrench the CDF in the Constitution.

“We at CORD have always called for devolution of more power and funds to the counties and are in the process of amending the Constitution to devolve 45 per cent of the National budget to the counties,” he stated.

The opposition leader said that MPs, regardless of their party affiliations, are undoubtedly anxious about the future of the system as are the people at the grassroots that have many incomplete projects started under CDF.

CDF was introduced in Kenya in 2003 with the passage of the CDF Act 2003 by the 9th Parliament of Kenya. The Act requires that the government set aside at least 2.5% of its ordinary revenue for disbursement under the CDF program. Three quarters of the amount is divided equitably between Kenya’s 210 constituencies while the remaining 1/4th is divided based on a poverty index to cater for poorer constituencies.

Raila also called on the government to allow the TV stations, Citizen TV, KTN and NTV to go back on air to allow Kenyans to enjoy their right to information. The TV stations owned by Royal Media Services, Nation Media Group and Standard Group have been off air since Saturday last week following a tussle with the government and the Communications Authority of Kenya over Digital Migration.

 

By Tom Omulo & Benjamin Wafula

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raila raila odinga CDF citizen news

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