In a dramatic twist that could rival a soap opera plotline, the High Court has slammed the brakes on Parliament’s plan to sneak the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Bill to State House for presidential assent. And let’s say Justice Lawrence Mugambi wasn’t here for any shortcuts.
In his ruling, Justice Mugambi said, “Nice try, but not today!” The National Assembly may have all the time in the world to debate the bill and even pass it over to the Senate like a relay baton, but that’s where the party ends. Parliament has now been told in no uncertain terms: thou shalt not cross into the President’s inbox with that bill.
The verdict sent shockwaves through the corridors of power, with some MPs reportedly whispering, “Si ni kama, the Constitution has ghosted us.” Others were seen scratching their heads trying to Google “separation of powers” on their phones.
So what does this mean for the fate of the controversial CDF kitty long beloved by MPs for its generous development cash drops in the constituencies? For now, it’s stuck in legislative limbo, grounded before takeoff.
Social media, naturally, has exploded with reactions. Some Kenyans joked that the bill needs a “passport stamp from the judiciary” before heading to the president’s desk. Others called it a much-needed plot twist in the ongoing telenovela that is Kenyan politics.
For now, the president’s pen can rest; no new law is coming its way just yet. And Parliament? Well, they’ve been told to stick to their lane, literally.
