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{
    "id": 1341675,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1341675/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 278,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Marsabit, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Naomi Waqo",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "a good thing that seeks to harmonise various Acts with the functions of the Director of Public Prosecutions under Article 157 of the Constitution. From the outset, I support this Bill. My attention is drawn to the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act of 2003. I have just picked a few reasons why I support the amendment. If we allow the Commission to seek court orders on State officers under investigation, this will help us because we know very well that our country has suffered in the past and is currently affected by previous corruption practices. I want to quote what the late President Kibaki said: “Let us not have people who seek to swindle the Government. Such people should not be alive because the Government uses public money. There is no need to have mercy on a fellow who is trying to swindle us. A person who is trying to misuse public funds must not be allowed to continue working in Government. We will sack such fellows.” I respect these words because our country is where it is today because of corruption. Today, a poor young man, a graduate who qualifies for a certain position, has no hope just because of corruption. People believe that besides your academic qualifications, you must corrupt the system through bribes in order to get a job. Justice has no place in our country as we have made corruption the order of the day. Passing this Bill will help us because many civil servants are being mentioned in corruption cases. Once this Bill passes, we will take control. Unless we give corruption serious attention, it will continue affecting us. If a public or civil servant is involved in corruption, allowing him to remain in office will definitely jeopardise investigation. It is better for that person to leave and allow for investigation to take place. I also support amendments to the Leadership and Integrity Act (No.19 of 2012) to allow EACC to verify suitability of any candidates. There are people who have gone through the process and have been employed in institutions and offices, but when you look at the records years later, you realise that mistakes were made. It is good to have proper procedures that can be followed and referred to so that in case of anything, we have someone who is accountable for any mistakes that may have occurred. In the past, some Kenyans have used fake certificates to get into various offices. This amendment will help to minimise the problem that many people encounter after some years. I am aware that in some counties many people have been involved in corruption. Such people never went through proper investigation and follow-up. They now occupy offices that they do not qualify to serve in. Some have been transferred from one institution to another due to their bad records. If we pass this amendment, we will be able to take care of that area. The amendment to the Judicature Act seeks to increase the number of judges of the Court of Appeal from 30 to 70. Kenyans complain of the many months that cases take before rulings are made. Increasing the number will help us be more efficient in serving Kenyans. Therefore, I support the amendment. The amendment to the Kenya Roads Act (No.7 of 1999) seeks to reduce the number of Board members from the current 13 to nine as per the Mwongozo Code of Conduct. When you have a smaller number of Board members, better decisions are made. It is easier to handle a smaller team than a big number of people. This is a good recommendation. We can look for qualified people like engineers or youth who are well educated and qualified to represent us on the Board. As we consider that, the face of the country should be reflected in every institution and Board. With those few words, I support. It is my prayer that this will soon be implemented."
}