Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 1353109,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1353109/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 325,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Mungatana MGH",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "is taking so long to get these things done. It is because, although they are collecting the samples from down there, when they come to Nairobi, and the departments of Chemistry and biology are not functional, they have to go and queue at the Government Chemists like all the other departments to get their samples. It takes a lot longer than they wanted. The Committee observed that the National Forensic Laboratory at the DCI Headquarters requires additional funding of Kshs340 million to upgrade the biology forensic laboratory and another Kshs117 million to upgrade the Chemistry forensic lab. The Committee further noted that there was need to pursue sustainable funding mechanisms and financial autonomy of the National Forensic Laboratory, for instance, through revenue-raising initiatives such as capacity building for the region. The South African Science laboratory serves as a benchmark for the region where Kenya could greatly benefit. When you look at the reasons there was a delay in getting these samples processed, it is because we were having technical issues at the National Forensic Lab. This forensic lab falls under the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration. It is not funded properly, and therefore, it will take a longer time to conclude the work they are supposed to do with Shakahola. It is important that the Cabinet Secretary prioritises the funding of this place. Madam Temporary Speaker, the inadequacies in the lab at the National Forensic Lab is a weak link in the pursuit of justice for the Shakahola victims. We also noticed that there were failures by the Judiciary. It was not lost on us that Paul Mackenzie had so many cases pending before the court. With every new case filed, Paul Mackenzie was given very lenient bail terms, which in the Committee’s view, were not commensurate to the crimes that he was being accused of. The Judiciary ought to explore a way to strengthen bail and bond policy guidelines, to provide for more stringent bail terms for offenders who may have pending cases in court."
}