MPs Riot Outside National Assembly, Manhandle Silvanus Osoro As They Protest CDF Delays

• The lawmakers protesting delays in the disbursement of the CDF kitty vowed not to allow the Tuesday, December 5, afternoon to continue as scheduled
• United regardless of the respective political extractions, the MPs stormed out of the chambers as they chanted, "No CDF, No Parliament"
• South Mugirango's Silvanus Osoro's efforts to access the floor were thwarted as his rioting colleagues blocked him

Nairobi - An afternoon sitting of the National Assembly was disrupted on Tuesday, December 5, after lawmakers camped outside to protest delays in the disbursement of the National Government - Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) monies.

Those on the rampage blocked their colleagues who strived to access the chambers.

The lawmakers walked out demanding the funds be released before they could embark on the remainder of sessions this year ahead of their long recess.

No CDF, No Parliament!

Efforts by the sergeant-at-arms to contain the MPs gave into futility as their chants overpowered them.

United, their respective political extractions notwithstanding, the MPs stormed out of the chambers as they ululated "No CDF, No Parliament" in unison.

According to the legislators, activities in their areas had been halted due to lack of funding, with learners dependent on the bursaries sourced from the kitty risking missing school fees.

They faulted the Exchequer for shelving the disbursement of the fund and instead focusing on the national government.

"The government is always supporting its executive programs to the detriment of CDF. What we are saying is that we are suspending all sittings and government business until CDF is expended. In January new students are joining Form 1 and others continuing in high school. So we are saying they must provide money now and no later, No CDF, No Parliament," said Jared Okello of the Nyando constituency.

They were determined to paralyse the afternoon session during which a host of bills and motions lined up in the order paper were to be deliberated on.

Thus, any member who dared to sit in for the session faced resistance.

Efforts by South Mugirango's Silvanus Osoro to access the floor were thwarted as his rioting colleagues blocked his entry.

Such scenes were witnessed earlier this year when the lawmakers boycotted an induction workshop in Mombasa protesting the delays in disbursing the money.

CDF's lifeline after Supreme Court ruling against it

Addressing the media at the venue, a section of lawmakers vowed not to allow the workshop to proceed unless the National Treasury released the NG-CDF funds.

The kitty had last faced scrapping after the Supreme Court argued it was not anchored on law and was flouting the aspect of separation of powers.

This came out of a lawsuit by activists.

Attorney General Justin Muturi would then advise the National Treasury to disburse the money, arguing that the apex court did not annul the kitty.

Established in 2003 under the late Mwai Kibaki's regime, CDF is aimed at funding grassroots initiatives for development at the constituency level.

It aimed all constituency-level initiatives for advancement, especially those aimed at combating poverty.

Section 34 of the National Government Constituencies Development Fund Act 2015 requires the National Treasury to assign funding for each constituency in every fiscal year with the consent of the appropriate National Assembly Committee.

CDF was renamed the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) in 2015.