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{
    "id": 1381815,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1381815/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 317,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Sifuna",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13599,
        "legal_name": "Sifuna Edwin Watenya",
        "slug": "sifuna-edwin-watenya"
    },
    "content": "nobody knows where those servers are. The MCAs have tried to ask questions, but the governor is dodgy. Nobody can show you. If we go to City Hall, which is just a walking distance from here, you will not see those servers. Madam Temporary Speaker, allow me to say that the object of the Bill sponsored by Sen. M. Kajwang’ has nothing to do with the arguments for viability of the counties. That is a discussion we had a long time ago. I remember the final Bomas Draft had proposed 14 counties. How that was decimated and we ended up with units that everybody says are not viable is a matter for history and a matter that can be corrected through proposals such as the ones that Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale is making. I am happy because Sen. M. Kajwang’ has thought about a matter that precedes the kicking in of Article 188. Article 188 of the Constitution talks about alteration of the boundaries. What Sen. M. Kajwang’ is saying is that before we get to the stage of alteration of boundaries, can we sit down and have a conversation about what the disputes are? I would be happy if this Bill was put in place as soon as yesterday, because as you know, there is a fight going on between Nyamira and Kisii counties over Keroka Town. It is because of the pressure from everyone about counties trying to raise their own-source revenues. They see Keroka Town as a place to collect own-source revenue that every county is working hard to achieve. The Bill is well thought-out. It has provided a mechanism for us to appoint a mediation committee that will be chaired by somebody with the expertise in alternative dispute resolution. It states that if you are an advocate who is guilty of professional misconduct, you cannot be eligible for appointment to these particular committees. Talking about alteration of boundaries, I have sat in the committee led by Sen. M. Kajwang’ and came to learn that people are passionate about their counties. Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale, if we were having a meeting during the Senate Mashinani, you would not have left that county if those sentiments were made on the Floor. If you go to Nyamira County and tell those people that they should be governed from Kisii, they will lynch you. If you try to convince the people of Homa Bay that if they were put together with Migori, Kisumu and Siaya they can do better, you will be lynched because there was a misconception at the beginning of devolution that counties belonged to certain people. I will not shy away from saying certain tribes. It is so bad that if you come from Bungoma, it is impossible for you to be employed in Kakamega, yet we are all Luhyas. They say; “ wewe uko na kwenu.” That is a quotation. Do not say that I have offended the Standing Orders by using another language. If you are from Bungoma, they will tell you that you also have a county and ask you to go and apply there. It is bad. In fact, the discussion within some counties is for an even greater disintegration. Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale is aware of the agitation by the people from Sabaot in Mt. Elgon in Bungoma County for them to have their own county. The Teso in Busia, or in Migori where the Kuria are, also agitating that they need their own county. For as long as that county exists to pay salaries to their children, many people are content. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard Services, Senate."
}