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{
    "id": 1372088,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1372088/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 133,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Crystal Asige",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Mr. Speaker, Sir, that is what I said. Maybe, my accent is passing the heads of others. When President Ruto was in his campaign trail in 2022, he called many of us with disabilities. He sat with us in many forums and picked our brains in terms of what we wish to see in this country when it comes to inclusion, and we gave him ideas. We had conversations across the country hoping that this agenda will one day come to fruition. Unfortunately, during the opening of Parliament in 2022 and in his State of the Nation Address last year, we did not hear our voices or ideas articulated. Still, we do not hear of the same. We are wondering if it is just lip service. In my view as a person representing PWDs, the president's address is somewhat an open feedback loop where he comes to address parliamentarians and give his ideas and direction and we in turn respond with our reactions and contributions on how to make those ideas better. Unfortunately, so far it feels to our community of PWDs that he addresses us but does not listen when we try to address our issues to him. If ever the President hears my voice, which I hope he will today, the representatives of PWDs in this Senate request him to kindly puts forth our agenda; to prioritize the largest minority in this country with almost 6 million voters. The PWDs is a group that should no longer be ignored because we have votes and money to spend in this economy. We can also make a big change and move the needle in all plans regarding Kenya. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I hope that in future, the President's addresses will also address us because we are waiting to be publicly seen and heard by the Executive. I thank you."
}