Tension is mounting in Malava constituency after parents, teachers, and local leaders openly opposed the announcement by newly elected MP David Ndakwa that bursary allocations would be delayed due to a lack of funds. This has sparked outrage among residents, who accuse the legislator of failing to provide clarity on the fate of the bursary kitty.
Ndakwa recently disclosed that only Ksh3.7 million remained from the Ksh50 million set aside for bursaries, claiming that the funds had been redirected to complete development projects initiated by the late MP Malulu Injendi. However, residents argue that the explanation is inconsistent and demand accountability.
Led by Evans Luta, locals questioned why the MP had been distributing bursary forms and promising full school fee support for day scholars, only to later announce that the kitty was empty. They accused Ndakwa of misleading the public, noting that some students had even been assured of receiving up to Ksh6,000 before the sudden reversal.
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The controversy deepened after conflicting reports emerged regarding the actual balance in the bursary account. While Ndakwa insists only Ksh3.7 million was available, allies of the outgoing fund manager claim the kitty held Ksh15.3 million. Residents now want clarity on the whereabouts of the missing Ksh11 million, demanding to know who is telling the truth.
Questions have also been raised about Ndakwa’s decision to reshuffle the CDF office immediately after assuming office, including the transfer of the fund manager who had overseen the constituency for 1.5 years following Injendi’s death. Constituents argue that the MP should have audited the accounts before dismissing the manager, instead of later attributing mismanagement to him.
“You came to the office telling people there was enough bursary for everyone, only to turn around and accuse the outgoing manager after funds were already redirected. Why didn’t you confirm the accounts first before releasing him?” one resident asked during a public forum.
Parents expressed frustration that, despite applying for bursaries, their children are now being sent home to collect school fees. Emily Wafula, a parent, said the situation has left families stranded, while retired teacher Benson Malovi warned that partial and total orphans who rely entirely on bursary support are the most affected.
Malovi further accused the MP of being misled by close associates at the CDF office, warning that the crisis could damage his political career. He defended the outgoing manager, describing him as a professional who had steered the constituency through a difficult transition after Injendi’s death.
Residents suspect foul play in the handling of the bursary funds, insisting that the truth must be laid bare. “We want to know where the KSh11 million disappeared to. Unless the facts are unravelled, Malava leadership will remain in question,” one constituent said.
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Earlier this week, Ndakwa announced through the press that bursary allocations would be delayed because the first disbursement of the 2024/25 NG-CDF budget had been used to offset incomplete projects left behind by the late MP. He promised to push for the release of the remaining Ksh60 million, with 40 per cent earmarked for bursaries.
The MP urged parents and school administrators not to send students home despite the delay, assuring them that his office is working to resolve the standoff. However, residents maintain that only full transparency and accountability will restore confidence in the constituency’s leadership.
By Wakhungu Andanje
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