Members of Parliament (MPs), including those from the Kenya Kwanza faction and opposition led by Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, made a dramatic exit from Parliament on Tuesday, expressing frustration over the unresolved National Government Constituencies Development Funds (NGCDF) issue despite vigorous lobbying efforts.

The MPs sought answers from Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah, urging him to liaise with the Treasury for the immediate release of the funds. However, Ichung’wah informed them that the matter would be addressed on Thursday, upon the return of Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u from the COP 28 event in Dubai.

This response did not sit well with the legislators, who insisted on an immediate resolution rather than a postponed date. National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss attempted to maintain order, but the MPs heckled and directed boos at Ichung’wah, creating chaos.

“Honourable members, you are denying yourselves; we are trying to establish when the Treasury CS can be here. Consult with the Majority leader because members are walking out before they hear the answer,” Boss stated.

“Honourable members, you are denying yourself an opportunity for an answer.”

Subsequently, a group of disgruntled lawmakers walked out of Parliament, chanting “No CDF, No Parliament.”

The uproar ensued after Ichung’wah suggested pushing the matter to Thursday, prompting boos from MPs demanding an immediate resolution before proceeding with parliamentary proceedings.

“When an issue comes when there is a conflict between a CS, a PS, a chair of a board, and the people of Kikuyu, the latter takes greater precedence than anyone else, and that is why I’m pleading with you to allow me to finish,” Ichung’wah stated amid backlash from his colleagues.

The Majority Leader tried to emphasize the priority of disbursing bursary funds, crucial for operations within the counties. He explained, “What is bothering most of us is bursary funds. They must disburse at least 40 per cent of the funds before schools open. He (Treasury CS) will be coming back to the country as he was in the COP 28 delegation, and upon his arrival, I will provide an update.”