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{
    "id": 111460,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/111460/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 415,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. Kiuna",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 54,
        "legal_name": "Joseph Nganga Kiuna",
        "slug": "joseph-kiuna"
    },
    "content": "Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, this is a noble opportunity that has been bestowed on us by our electorate. We need to make sure that Kenyans this time round have a new Constitution. The Members of the Tenth Parliament have the responsibility to deliver a new Constitution to Kenyans. We have now reached a point of no return in this process. It is a long history. I urge my fellow colleagues as we debate this proposed Constitution to ask ourselves what kind of legacy we want to leave behind. This Constitution is not meant for us. It is not meant for His Excellency the President or the Prime Minister. It is for the future generations. As we debate this draft Constitution, we should remember what happened in this country in 2008. This country was headed to the dogs. It is through God’s grace that we were able to salvage it. Where we are now is because of God’s grace and mercy. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, as much as I support this Constitution, I would like us to agree on one thing. We know very well where we were in 2008 and where this country was heading. It is just through God’s grace that we have managed to be where we are. I am so much incensed by those people who are talking about regional assemblies. It is as if they were not here in 2008. It is so painful for some of us who saw everything and witnessed all that had happened. I think you will agree with me that whatever happened, especially in the Rift Valley, nobody else in this House would like to see it recurring again. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, when we come to regional assemblies, the perception that people have down there is: “This is our kingdom.” We are going to create tribal kingdoms whereby some communities will feel too threatened or intimidated to live in those particular regions. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, I hope you are aware, and a majority of us are aware that, there are some areas in the Rift Valley where some communities feel that they cannot even go and buy land; neither can they invest because of what they saw or how much they suffered. So, those who are advocating for regional assemblies, I do request them to think as national leaders. Let them not see the gain they are going to get as individuals. How about their children? That is because right now, there are some people who have said that we should go for the regions. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker and hon. Members, I hope that when we shall come to voting, those patriotic Kenyans who think that they are Kenyans and who know that they belong to Kenya, will support this draft the way it is. For the time being, let us heal those wounds. If there will be any amendments, it is this same, same House which has the power to come and debate whichever clause they feel should be amended and amend it! But for the time being, let us try to be realistic and nationalistic and support this document the way it is."
}