MP Francis Waititu has vowed to fight a legal battle with his counterparts to retain Constituency Development Fund (CDF) .
“I will mobilize fellow MPs to retain the legacy of CDF through all channels including legal battle. We are the ones who ‘make’ laws and dissolve them,” said Waititu.
The fate of CDF is yet unknown following last Friday’s ruling by the three bench judges Justice Isaac Lenalola , David Majanja and Mumbi Ngugi. The three judges declared the fund unconstitutional and have given the MPs twelve months to see it aligned with the constitution.
Waititu said that they would fight to ensure that the fund remains at the patrons of MPs.
Speaking yesterday at Juja Town, Waititu said that the role of CDF would not be underrated.
“CDF funds has been the spinal nerve for most development projects in rural and poor urban areas, and calling for its death is uncalled for,” said Waititu .
Waititu said that taking CDF from the patronage of MPs was killing grassroots projects.
“The CDF was structured for grassroots developments and any attempt to snatch it from rural people is violation of their rights,” said Waititu
However, the ruling received support from governors who want the fund to be incorporated into devolved unit budgets. Waititu denied accusation by governors that the fund was being used by MPs to gain political mileages.
“The issue of the CDF should not be politicized. The CDF has benefited my residents through provision of clean water, healthcare, education and other social projects,” said Waititu.
The controversial CDF has earned recognition after the National Assembly approved that the Budget Appropriation Committee channel Sh15 billion to be used for Economic Stimulus Projects through the CDF.