Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has defended the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), stressing its importance in ensuring communities benefit from development regardless of political affiliation.

Salasya argued that the fund was designed to allow MPs to continue oversight of government while still guaranteeing growth and services for their constituents.

“The purpose of NG-CDF is to ensure that even as you oversight the government, your people will still get development and you will not need to go to beg in the State House,” the MP stated.

He went on to challenge Azimio leader Raila Odinga to account for his performance during his tenure as Lang’ata MP, questioning what he left behind for residents while in opposition.

“Raila atuambie aliacha Lang’ata akiwa opposition ikiwa aje,” Salasya remarked, suggesting that the NG-CDF helps prevent constituencies from being sidelined politically.

The legislator also clarified that bursaries make up only a fraction of NG-CDF allocations, with a larger portion earmarked for development projects such as infrastructure and social amenities.

“Some people think NG-CDF money is only about bursaries. The maximum that can go to bursaries is 35%, the rest goes to development. Ama wachukuwe hii pesa ya bursaries kwanza walete free secondary education plus college plus university, then when it gets a green card they too take this for development,” he explained.

Salasya’s comments come amid ongoing debate about the role, management, and accountability of the NG-CDF. While critics continue to raise constitutional questions, the MP maintains that the fund is an essential tool for bridging development gaps in constituencies across Kenya.