Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has openly declared his support for the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) despite his party leader Raila Odinga opposing it.
Mbadi made the remarks during a public meeting where Raila was present, making it clear that he would not shy away from stating his position.
The CS insisted that NG-CDF has played a critical role in transforming education and local development across the country.
He argued that the fund has enabled thousands of needy students to access education by receiving bursaries.
Mbadi also pointed out that many small projects in constituencies, such as building classrooms and supporting local initiatives, have been financed through the fund.
He told Raila directly that supporting NG-CDF was not a betrayal but a commitment to improving the lives of ordinary Kenyans.
The declaration caught the attention of the audience since Raila has been one of the strongest critics of NG-CDF.
Raila has previously argued that NG-CDF undermines devolution and gives MPs powers that should belong to county governments.
According to Raila, MPs should focus on making laws and oversight instead of managing development funds.
The ODM leader has maintained that resources should be directed to counties for better accountability and effective service delivery.
Mbadi, however, maintained that abolishing NG-CDF would disadvantage poor families who rely on bursaries to keep their children in school.
He said that while counties also play an important role, NG-CDF directly reaches communities in a faster and more practical way.
The face-to-face disagreement highlighted the growing debate within ODM over the future of NG-CDF.
Some leaders in the party believe that scrapping the fund would hurt the party’s popularity in rural areas where residents have benefited from it.
Others stand firmly with Raila’s argument that NG-CDF creates duplication and weakens the devolution dream.
Mbadi’s bold stand showed his readiness to challenge the party’s long-held position on certain issues.
Observers say his remarks could spark more debate within ODM and even influence how other leaders respond.
The matter is expected to continue generating discussions as the 2027 elections approach, with education and development funds becoming key political talking points.
For now, Mbadi’s declaration remains one of the most direct and daring confrontations with Raila on matters of policy.
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