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{
    "id": 1346284,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1346284/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 176,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Kesses, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Julius Rutto",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "objection, but they relaxed. Prior to that, they had made several attempts not only to the National Treasury, but also to the Kenya Development Corporation (KDC), which is a Government parastatal. This parcel of land has a first charge of UBA and KDC, which had given loans to Uchumi Supermarket. They were silent. They did not bother, but they knew that they had charged the same asset. Hon. Temporary Speaker, I had said again that I need to be exempted to conclude that there was a deliberate conspiracy for this particular land to be disposed of so that it suits the interest of some specific individuals. How come the property was valued at Ksh1.4 billion five years ago, but Government officers are reluctant to protect it? The Public Finance Management (PFM) Act gives the National Treasury absolute responsibility to protect every Government investment and asset for the public interest. The Principal Secretary responded to the Committee that he was not aware of this case. He is apologising now, when the matter had been adjudicated in court and an order issued. That shows how incompetent our public officers are. They deliberately relax on certain matters and only react after they are time-barred, and the assets have been lost. This should serve as a lesson as the Committee completes its Report. The Committee Report should recommend a path for recourse to ensure that Government officers who have been bestowed with certain responsibilities act with utmost good faith to protect Government assets. We cannot sell land worth more than Ksh2 billion to settle a loan of Ksh162 million. The National Treasury owns a loan stock of Ksh1.2 billion on the same property as a second charge. The National Treasury is a shareholder with a 15 per cent stake. The Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) is a Government entity on the same property with a first charge and yet, they are silent. Do you want to tell me that there is a case against the Government and the Attorney-General is unaware? We have to be very serious about the way we manage our issues. I rest this case as we follow up on this matter. We need to look beyond this matter and investigate the conduct of incompetent officers. What else do they know? Why remain silent until Parliament intervenes in the matter?"
}