Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 1062134,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1062134/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 646,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Wamatangi",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 646,
        "legal_name": "Paul Kimani Wamatangi",
        "slug": "paul-kimani-wamatangi"
    },
    "content": "Various suggestions have been made. Noteworthy of those suggestions is, for example, that the thought that we should see this pandemic not as a one off thing. The plans that the Government has got in mitigating and ameliorating the concerns and conditions of Kenyans should be long-term. Madam Temporary Speaker, for example, look at how we have dealt with the pandemic of HIV/AIDS. Since the 1980s when the first cases of HIV/AIDS were detected in the country, up to today, Kenyans are still suffering from the same ravages of that virus. That may be an implication or a pointer that, probably COVID-19 will be here to stay and stay long. I want to laud the good thoughts by Senators that Government must think beyond tomorrow. The Government must be thinking beyond the lockdown, curfew and adjournment of Houses. We will be asking ourselves how we address this situation without necessarily waiting for external help to be our solution. Madam Temporary Speaker, I thank Members also for their suggestions here that in case there is any situation that may arise that require Members of this House to appear here immediately and pass resolutions, that window is left open. That right and privilege of Members of this House is not curtailed in any way. Indeed, the continued discussion and engagement of Members of this House through Committees will further enhance and cushion Kenyans. This is such that whatever continues to happen can be debated by Committees of this House. Madam Temporary Speaker, as I conclude, it would be important as we continue with our discussions that we ask ourselves how we want to rest the case of our ad hoc Committee on COVID-19. Is it time we rethought the idea of reintroducing a specific Committee that would be looking at the continued way we are dealing with COVID-19 as a country? I remind Kenyans that there are countries who suffered worse than we have suffered, but as of today, they have managed to contain the pandemic. You would go around countries in Asia specifically a country like China itself where this virus is said to have emanated from. They are proud to say that they have dealt with the pandemic to an extent that they can say the infection rates are almost negligible. That is what we should be aiming to do. The culture of continuing to ensure that continued and personal discipline in dealing with COVID-19 must be the emphasis of the health sector of this country and even of the Government. I want to laud the actions that have been taken by the Ministry of Health in the various moves that they have done in putting up a fight against the virus. Also, there are actions taken by the Executive and the various periodic updates that have been given. There are actions by His Excellency the President to ensure that he continually informs this country. Indeed, there are other leaders who have been at the forefront. Madam Temporary Speaker, I take the opportunity to even thank Members of this House. If you look at many platforms of social media, you can see several Senators whose photos appear taking the vaccine. We lead by example. I am sure as most Kenyans first had doubt about this vaccine, we, ourselves, are taking the jab to dispel off some of those rumours. I want to laud those Members that have taken the vaccine and urge the ones who have not to do so."
}