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{
    "id": 1091524,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1091524/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 225,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Nominated, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Prof. Jacqueline Oduol",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "great concern to me that we would look at this Bill, which is now the property of the National Assembly, from the perspective of enacting laws to help us find ways of ensuring that we pull together by providing for frameworks and regulations that will ensure that we administer this waqf in all fairness as required and in keeping with the Constitution. It is a concern to me that we would “sing” on the Floor of the House to appear not only to be championing the course of one faith – and unfairly so because as it has been indicated, this is no longer a Bill for a particular faith – but it appears to be championing the course of one faith as opposed to other faiths. Allow me to indicate that integrity is the cornerstone of our Constitution, an area we continue to grapple with.My understanding, as I support this Bill, is that it seeks to ensure that the WAQF Commission would be in a position to ensure that there is integrity. Good governance is another area where we continue to aspire towards as a country. It is in this regard that I support the Bill. However, as I conclude, I look forward to the amendments. We should seek to ensure that the Bill, with the objects as spelt out, is crafted in a way that will keep up with all the constitutional requirements and enhances a sense of togetherness, inclusion and acceptance of all Kenyans, irrespective of their faith. I hope that it does not skip the attention of any of us regardless of our faith that, ideally, if we were to practise our faith, we would not even need to revert to the law. As Christians, we resort to law because to a large extent we tend to be working on our faith in spirit but hardly so much in truth. As we look at the law, I urge all of us to desist from going back to religion and talking about faith and practices. The very fact that we have this Bill before us is a demonstration of what the Holy Book says in Romans that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Regardless of what faith we demonstrate and how proud we are of it, it is my sincere belief and opinion that we must look at this Bill from the perspective that is spelt out in the objects. We would like to ensure that the WAQF Commission enhances accountability and promotes fairness. It should not only give a very clear indication of how funds need to be received and processed, but also specify that as we define the law, we are not excluding any categories of Kenyans, especially on grounds of their faith. With this, I thank you. I want to remind all of us that in the parlance of conflict resolution and peace building, there are always very clear early warning signs. Research and practice all over the world should help us see the early warning signs. Part of the dialogue, exchange and the manner in which this was presented is an early warning sign of getting Kenyans to disagree on religious grounds. We should also remember that we are on the verge of elections and should be careful that we do not ignore early warning signs. We should seek to manage conflict instead of waiting to act to resolve it after everything has blown up. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker. Once again, I support the Bill, subject to amendments."
}