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{
    "id": 1341682,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1341682/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 285,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Seme, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. (Dr.) James Nyikal",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "There is nothing better than increasing the number of judges. Delay in justice in this country is a major drawback. Therefore, that is something we can support. On the Penal Code, terms like ‘imbeciles’ and so on used to refer to certain people are totally unacceptable. I think we should support that particular amendment and review it when the time comes. The Criminal Procedure Code, and the Sexual Offences Act, are really good. At the Committee of the whole House, we may look for more amendments. This is because, on one hand, there is this problem of a deficit of forensic evidence basically because the people who handle the matters are not trained adequately or they are not keen enough to know how to save and protect evidence or even guide people who are affected on what evidence is required at what time. That is, therefore, something that has been really terrible in sexual offences. Matters defilement and the age of offenders are things we need to look at, particularly where boys of ages 19, 20 and 21 deal with girls of ages 17and 18. They are more exposed and in their action, they may be thinking that they are dealing with normal human beings. There are cases where marriages have been organised with families only for the boys to be taken to court and punished severely for defilement. So, I think that is something we should look at. With regard to the Evidence Act, as we move with technology and allow digital photographs, we must up our game in managing photographs because the manipulation that can occur in those digital photographs is amazing. People may find themselves going to jail for things they did not do. It is good that we are in the digital period and the artificial intelligence time but we must see how we can protect people from those who can do digital manipulation and get people into problems. I like the Bribery Act. The word ‘bribery’, as a Member said, seems to imply that we are promoting bribery. What I really like about it is that for once in this country, we are going to accept that corruption is not seated in the public sector only. The contribution of the private sector is immense. If we are going to look at that, that is something I will support. As for holidays, let us not change history. Let history stay as it is. I do not see why we are changing Moi Day. Whatever happened, I think we should retain it. Changing 26th December to Utamaduni Day would not be respecting our cultures. We are looking at a day that is celebrated all over the world for other things and saying that we can give this one to something we can relate to. On the Copyright Act, our artists are losing a lot from their skills and talents. I think that is something that we need to look at. I agree with the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act. There are people who should be barred from their offices when they are being investigated. You cannot be investigating people while they are still holding the objects that you need to look. For the Merchant and Shipping Act, what we had was declared unconstitutional. The shipping sector has been operating without it. Therefore, it has been hard to revive the Kenya National Shipping Line. If the proposed amendment will do it, it is okay. In the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, we must enhance the punishment. Sometimes we should have capital punishment for organised economic crimes because these people kill others through their activities. Therefore, by enhancing the punishment and giving more time to pursue the proceeds, especially property, is something we can support."
}