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{
    "id": 1411048,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1411048/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 47,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mandera North, UDM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Major (Rtd) Abdullahi Sheikh",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "the Kenya Defence Forces have lost a gallant general in the name of General Ogolla. I am pretty sure that his life was well-lived while he was in the military. We need to articulate some of the things that he did when he was alive. This protocol is one of the things that this House can do in his memory and that of the officers. General Ogolla was actually the first general in the history of Kenya to die in office and not just die in office, but to die in active duty. It has not happened before. That shows that he was one of a kind. He liked going to the field to be with his troops at any time when he had an opportunity and space. Coming back to this priority boarding protocol for Kenya Defence Forces and the veterans, it is very critical because it is a way of honouring the men and women who serve our country, defending our borders and engaging in activities that threaten their own lives while ensuring that the lives of Kenyans are protected both within and outside the country. This kind of priority protocol is observed in other countries. It is something that honours the men who have sacrificed their lives. Remember some of them are sent outside the country and to places within the country for a year or six months without being with their families, relatives or communities and yet, they do their job, come back, and ensure that our country is safe. This protocol might not be so much, but it is a way of honouring our men, especially the Kenya Defence Forces, who sacrifice a lot. There is so much that they do that the Kenyan public may not be aware of. When we see them in barracks, we might think that they are just there. But let us remember that continuously, those guys are either out in the field, out in training, out in operation areas or outside the country serving in UN peacekeeping missions. I speak from a point of information and knowledge because as I stand here, I am a former Kenya Defence Forces officer. I served in the Kenya Defence Force, and I know what it takes to become an officer or a member of the Kenya Defence Forces. The sacrifice that they make to contribute to the security and well- being of Kenya is enormous. Therefore, I urge the House to support the priority boarding protocol as a way to honour them. What they do for this country, as I said earlier, is enormous. Of course, it is part of their job, but the sacrifice is too much. I plead that this protocol be supported and approved by this House so that the Ministry and the Government department concerned can take up from there. In other jurisdictions and other countries at the airport, you will hear announcements being made for military personnel and military veterans to go forward. In some airports, where it is listed for priority boarding passes for business class, UN or diplomats, there is also a spot for veterans. They are at the same level with the diplomats and other senior personnel. This can happen also in Kenya because it happens in other countries in Africa, in Europe and in America. It is important that we also do the same to honour our men and women in service and those who have served, just like some of our colleagues here who have served in the military, myself included, so that we can say we did our job, we did our time in the Kenya Defence Forces and those who are continuing are also doing the same work. As I second, I plead with the House to ensure that the priority boarding protocol for Kenya Defence Forces and veterans is passed so that we can honour them. Thank you very much, Hon. Deputy Speaker."
}