Members of Parliament (MPs) from both the Kenya Kwanza and Azimio coalitions today (Monday) unanimously stormed out of the Parliamentary Committee members retreat in Mombasa over the delayed disbursement of the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) and the national government affirmative action fund NGAAF kitties which are yet to be released by the national treasury.

The irate members in protest walked out saying it was unreasonable to hold a five days retreat at a five star luxurious hotel, pay millions for accommodation at the expense of orphans and needy leaders who depended on NGCDF to go to school.

The members claimed the treasury was yet to release sh10 billion that was to be disbursed in  bits thus affecting key functions that depend on both kitties.

While addressing the press shortly after storming out, national assembly NGCDF chairman Musa Sirma stated that the retreat would not proceed unless the National Treasury disbursed funds for the NG-CDF.

Sirma declared that for Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung'u to address the convention, the money needed to have reflected in the constituencies' CDF accounts.

"For us to remain here spending taxpayers' money when Kenyans are suffering is totally unethical. We will cease every engagement until the funds are released," said Sirma.

He explained that the funds were crucial given that schools reopened on Monday, January. 

"How can you tell us we are sleeping in tourist hotels and orphans are not going to school ,if we are not given CDF then the meeting should be disbanded, "said Kathiani Mp Robert Mbui.

Mbui added. "We do not have any other business to discuss ,the schools have opened and orphans and needy students need to go to schools, we can't sit here while issues are messed up outside,".

Nairobi women rep Esther Passaris charged the meeting with her demand for NGAAF money saying women have equally suffered from the delays of the kitty.

"County women rep are also looking for the same NGAAF money, we should start with issues which are contentious CDF being one of them," said Passaris.

Rarieda Mp Otiende Omolo said it was unbearable for legislators to ensure 100 percent back to school without the CDF kitty which is used to issue bursaries to the needy.

"This subject was slated for Saturday, it's too far, my suggestion is that we need to have proper speakers who can give direction about it," said Otiende Amollo.

"Treasury must tell us when are they releasing the money, any other agenda without talking about CDF money is null and void," Amollo added.

Before the meeting was disrupted National assembly acting clerk Sarah Kioko told the committees to work within their budgets before the new budgets. She said departmental committees should reduce their activities to the limited budgets.

"We have constrained budget, and the number of committees has increased by 10 committees, from the 2022-23,and therefore we have asked the committees to tighten their belt until the new budgets," said Kioko.

She said the national assembly is facing so many litigation, and thus the house committees should avoid unnecessary litigations by exhausting all levels of their observation.

"The house has been taken to court on areas of passing bills ,some reports have also been taken to litigations so we urge committees to avoid unnecessary litigations by writing full reports especially in areas where there is likelihood of litigation," said Kioko.

The members converging in Mombasa are challenged to ensure legislation, oversight and representation of the electorates are done without favourism.

The joint induction workshop of different committees seeks to bring to attention to members and help them conduct the constitutional mandate as per the standing orders.

The MPs are also expected to be taken through the corrective measures being undertaken by Parliament in ensuring that the future of the National Government Constituency Development Fund is assured