Members of Parliament (MPs) from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party have slammed former Prime Minister Raila Odinga over his stance of scrapping the National Government Constituencies Development fund (NG-CDF).

Kapenguria MP Samuel Moroto and his Sigor counterpart Peter Lochakapong faulted Raila, who is now calling for the stripping of MPs’ function foothold on NG-CDF and transferring the kitty to counties, saying he is now “stepping on the wrong foot”.

The two legislators are accusing Raila of trying to curtail efforts to entrench the NG-CDF in the Constitution, after several court rulings declared the funds unconstitutional. According to Moroto and Lochakapong, NG-CDF remains a critical development tool, especially in rural constituencies.

Raila, in the recent past, has maintained that NG- CDF funds should be managed by counties, and that the 2010 Constitution limiteds the roles of MPs to legislation, oversight and representation. He insists that MPs should not take part in development projects, as that is the responsibility of county governments.

“We have respected Raila Odinga for a long time but he seems to be drunk with power or aging. Mr Odinga has helped us in many ways by opening roads and putting up electricity in this county in areas like Makutano, Chepareria and Serewo. He is the one who brought devolution but now he is offside,” Moroto said in his constituency on Tuesday, August 19.

He added: “NG-CDF money is little but has an impact. What are the funds aloocated to counties doing? Where is the National Government money going to?”

Moroto urged Raila to steer clear of the NG-CDF debate, insisting that the fund has opened several key areas that were once unreachable and expanded several key infrastructures including schools, roads, bridges and bursaries.

On his part, Lochakapong lauded the NG-CDF as an equaliser that has helped marginalized regions like West Pokot to be at par with other parts of the country.

“There was no school. I was born here and went to another place to learn. This place which had remained behind in development is now shining. We need more schools like Nyangaita for our children not to move to other areas to seek education. Marginalization must be addressed,” he said.

He reiterated that no one can succeed in stripping off the NG-CDF from MPs, claiming that the kitty has achived a lot compared to what governors have done with their bigger budgets.

“Anyone thinking he can do away with NG-CDF is daydreaming; many people have benefited from the funds, especially the needy, the education sector, and other areas have been greatly improved with the NG-CDF funds,” said Lochakapong.