Kisumu West MP Olago Aluoch wants CDF used to support spiritual groups

Kisumu West MP Olago Aluoch. FILE

Kisumu West MP Olago Aluoch wants constituency development fund (CDF) law revised to permit lawmakers to use for sustaining spiritual groups.


Mr Olago suggests that the CDF kitty be utilised in equipping and furnishing worship centres as COVID-19 rages.


" Many worship centres are facing financial troubles and cannot reopen due to strict Covid-19 regulations," he said.


Mr Olago said that the CDF Act 2013 prohibits the use of CDF fund for religious purposes.


"It can't be used for building or furnishing churches and mosques. But public utilities which are funded by the secular bodies like schools or hospitals can be funded," he said.


Religious places rely on donations and offerings have since been struggling to survive.


Mr Olago, however, says CDF can be helpful if legislators are given the green light to support the worship centres by amending the Act.


The Kisumu West MP was speaking during the distribution of Thermo guns, soaps and hand washing equipment to churches worth Sh400,000.


He is targeting at least 60 churches within Kisumu West Sub-County in the initiative. Another round of distribution is expected to start next week.


"I have been receiving requests from individual pastors and churches for assistance," he said.


"We called the church leaders and identified the worship centres in the five wards in Kisumu West," he concluded.