NGCDF ACT of 2013 needs repeal to pave way for funding secular activities, says Olago
By Dickson Odhiambo
July 31, 2020
NGCDF ACT of 2013 needs repeal to pave way for funding secular activities, says Olago
KISUMU West Member of Parliament John Olago Aluoch has called on the repeal of the National Government Constituency Development Fund Act of 2013 to pave way for the funds to be used to fund secular activities.
Olago says the Act as it is currently is prohibits the use of CDF for secular purposes like building or refurbishing places of worship but public utilities that are funded by the secular bodies like schools or hospitals can be assisted.
Addressing the press within Kisumu West Constituency after donating items to churches to help them curb the spread of Covid-19 pandemic, Olago said there is need to repeal the Act to accommodate funding of secular activities.
Olago says since the Covid-19 struck in March this year and most places of worship were closed only to be re-opened recently there is need to cushion the places of worship in a structured manner within the law.
“The churches and other places of worship that had been relying on donations or tithes have not been able to survive and I have been having several requires from leaders from the places of worship. So from last month, I have been thinking that the places of worship needs to be cushioned through assistance in a structured manner,” Olago says.
The Kisumu West Legislator’s sentiment come at a time he has donated items to churches within the constituency which will help them to curb spread of corona virus after the Government allowed churches to re-open under strict conditions.
The Member of Parliament says most churches in his constituency have not fully complied to the guidelines towards the re-opening as directed by the National Government hence has necessitated his office donate items which will help in curbing the spread of the corona virus pandemic within the churches.
Olago says a total of 63 churches have benefited from the initiative.
He says he has distributed a total of 63 thermo-guns, 50ml hand washing detergents, washing units and bar soaps to the 63 churches across the constituency.
Olago says the donation has cost about 410,000 for the first phase, adding that it will accommodate more during the next distribution until each church within the constituency benefit from the initiative.
The law maker says that the second phase to cost 600,000, adding that the entire donation will cost shs 1Million and ten thousand shillings.
Among the churches that have benefited from donation include Legion Maria of African Church mission which was represented by Arch Bishop Elias Komenya.
Komenya has thanked the Kisumu West MP for the good initiative which he says will help a number of churches to help in fighting the spread of Corona virus in churches.
Reverend Emma Omondi of ACK Maseno has also thanked the Kisumu West Member of Parliament for the move, adding that this should be extended to reach most of the churches.
Kisumu West Member of Parliament’s move comes barely a few weeks after President Uhuru Kenyatta re-opened the places of worship but under strict conditions.
The President said in the guideline that the Interfaith Council has developed, only a maximum of 100 participants will be allowed at each worship ceremony and not more than one hour.
Uhuru ordered that Sunday schools and Madrassas shall remain suspended until further notice, and in-person worship shall not include congregants under the age of 13 years or above the age of 58 years or persons with underlying conditions.
The move has since elicited reactions from various Churches leaders including the Head of Power of Jesus around the World Church Apostle Dr. Washington Ogonyo Ngede urging the President to allow all the people to worship regardless of their ages.
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