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"id": 1237217,
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"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Kisii County, WDM",
"speaker_title": "Hon. Dorice Donya",
"speaker": null,
"content": "Children rights and their protection begin at birth. There are countries that have strict laws that you cannot even go into a lodging with their girls. They are very protective. When we were in South Sudan for the East African Parliamentary games, we were told that in South Sudan, you cannot just speak with their ladies the way you want. Otherwise, you will have it rough. When we had a discussion in our Committee about Saudi Arabia, we were told that if a Kenyan has a child, the child is not protected in that country unless you are legally married. We should also check on the marriage laws. Again, how do we treat children who are abandoned by fathers that do not want them to bear their names? It is even worse when a disabled child is involved because the man might chase his wife away. They believe that if the first-born child was disabled, then the second child will definitely be born with a disability. Those children end up without any emotional support. I wish we had a direct line like the ‘911’ that one calls to report those matters. That direct line communication should be very active and responded to quickly so that the culprits can be cautioned that the lives of those children matter. When we are not serious with a particular law, even if we speak about it every day, nothing will be done. For instance, during the COVID-19 times, people knew that we were strict and they all wore masks. Everybody, including three-year old children, were wearing masks with the hope that they will prevent COVID-19. In the same spirit, if you have a child, it is your sole responsibility to provide them with food and pay for their medical services. And, if you are sending your wife away with the children, you must provide them with a house to live in. These things should be taken care of with a lot of caution, concentration and interest. The laws that we are talking about must be properly implemented. The Committee’s Report is very noble. We are now celebrating and hoping that this law is going to be enforced. If serious measures will not be taken, then we will be taking ourselves back. So, I support the Report of the Committee. I am happy that Members have come on board to ensure that every child celebrates their life and enjoy recreational activities. There are even children who are not allowed to play with others. The rights of our children are very vital. Thank you very much."
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