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{
    "id": 1510647,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1510647/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 283,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Funyula, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. (Dr) Ojiambo Oundo",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I take this opportunity to lend my voice to the Motion before us, regarding Mr Abdi Ahmed Mohamud's appointment as the Secretary and CEO of the EACC. Article 79 of the Constitution of Kenya on leadership and integrity establishes the EACC. The history of the fight against corruption in this country is a checkered one since the days of President Moi, and has continued for years. Regrettably, the results have remained unsatisfactory in the eyes of Kenyans and the international community. This may be the reason why our direct foreign investments have remained low. Corruption is a cancer that the country must fight. Various studies indicate that corruption comes in different forms, including bribery, embezzlement, graft, blackmail, influence peddling and abuse of discretion. We can only hope and pray that the new man in charge will have the guts, courage, and all that it takes to slay that dragon. Many Kenyans have lost hope and confidence in the Government at all levels due to rampant corruption. It has become common to hear that before receiving services in a public office, individuals are expected to pay bribes to oil the process. Even something as simple as moving a letter from one office to another for approval often requires a bribe. You will not be surprised if a junior officer asks you for a bribe. We have got to a point where many people believe appointments can only be secured through personal connections. For instance, I received a call from a teacher who informed me that Members of Parliament have letters of appointment for teachers and that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) cannot employ one unless through a letter of employment from a Member of Parliament. That mentality - that merit alone is insufficient for achievement - is something that, that Commission must fight. The Commission might be focused on a narrow prism of their mandate and yet, their responsibilities are broader and encompass all matters related to ethics and leadership as outlined in the Constitution. We wish the new CEO well and ask him to remain vigilant. Kenya loses significant amounts of money annually through corruption. If you visit hospitals at both the national and county levels, you will likely find that they lack essential drugs despite the substantial funds that are allocated to the sector. It is time to take action. Mr. Mohamud must prioritise work over ethnic relations and political networks, and focus on apprehending those who are involved in corruption. There is a lot of wastage in the county governments, the national Government and in State corporations. Train your eyes there and save this country. Our nation will only develop if we manage to save the amount of money that is lost every single year due to budgeted corruption. A comprehensive review of all spending is necessary. With those few remarks, I support."
}