Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has accused COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli of intimidating and belittling him.
In an update on Monday, November 25, the MP shared a recording of a phone conversation between him and Atwoli, stating that his focus was on what's good for the people.
"With due respect to Papa Atwoli. We will not tolerate nor entertain the politics of intimidation and belittlement. I am a man focused on what is good for people and the country," the MP said.
In the audio recording, Atwoli could be heard advising Salasya to stop going against veteran politicians like Raila Odinga.
However, the MP challenged the COTU SG to explain to Raila's importance when he is at the forefront of calling for the removal of Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) and the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF).
Read More
"When Raila says he doesn't want KeRRA and NG-CDF, is he of any importance to us?" Salasya asked.
In response, Atwoli stated that a devolved system that Raila is fighting for will bring more development compared to the NG-CDF.
"NG-CDF is for you as an MP, we are fighting for generalised development that can be an agent from the central government to the local people," he said.
On Friday, November 16, a section of DAP-K members including Salasya claimed that Raila is orchestrating a scheme to deprive MPs NG-CDF and Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF).
Salasya said Raila aimed to reduce MPs into beggars arguing that the move would force legislators to start pleading with President William Ruto for development projects.
“After him realizing he could not auction independent-minded MPs like me to Ruto, he wants CDF to go so that he can auction all of us to beg for development in our regions,” he said.
Raila advocated for the scrapping of NG-CDF and NGAAF, arguing that the funds concentrate too much power in the hands of MPs.
He said governors should manage resources directly, allowing them to implement development projects without interference from MPs, who he claims are obstructing true devolution efforts.
“This power grab is exacerbated by NG-CDF and NGAAF, which give MPs the ability to conceive, implement, and oversee projects simultaneously,” Raila stated.
