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{
    "id": 1037839,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1037839/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 241,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mandera North, JP",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Major (Rtd.) Bashir S. Abdullaih",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13417,
        "legal_name": "Bashir Sheikh Abdullah",
        "slug": "bashir-sheikh-abdullah"
    },
    "content": " Thank you, Hon. Speaker, for the opportunity. I am fully aware that my statement and such kinds of engagements are measured. I have served in the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) at a very senior level and so, I know what I am talking about. Both our country and Somalia are two neighbouring states that cannot live without one another. We are joined at the hip. These little diplomatic spats should not make it look like we are enemies. So, my plea to our Government is that we need to resolve this matter as quickly as possible. We have trade that we need to engage with Somalia. Equally, we also have people coming from there and investing in this country. So, the point is that without talking about meddling in the affairs of a neighbouring country, for our love for Somalia, we want a peaceful and prosperous country that can also be said we are part of. Hon. Speaker, as has been said, Kenya is actually one of the countries in the Horn of Africa that are stable, secure and safe. When our neighbours are struggling to remain afloat, we need to make our voice, but ensure that our voice is tempered. Ours is to ensure that we have business with Somalia. Somalia will also have business with us and the spat that is ongoing is not good for us even for our own security. As we speak, Al Shabaab is trying to take advantage of this kind of spat. They are trying to make inroads into our region especially in northern Kenya because they are hearing that there is a spat between our two countries. That is very important. Otherwise, I support the Statement by the Chairperson. I am a member of that Committee as well. We should ensure that both our country and Somalia remain friends, are stable and that we are good neighbours. I thank you."
}