HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept
{
"id": 1510650,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1510650/?format=api",
"text_counter": 286,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Marsabit County, UDA",
"speaker_title": "Hon. Naomi Waqo",
"speaker": null,
"content": " Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to add my voice to this important Motion. I join my colleagues in supporting the nomination of the CEO of EACC, Mr Abdi Mohamud. I have reviewed the Report, and I can say the Committee has done an excellent job. They provided us with recommendations and followed all the necessary steps. As we recommend Mr Abdi for the position, alongside many other members, we must strongly oppose corruption because it has destroyed our economy, compromised the future of many young people, and delayed the country's progress. Everywhere you go, from entrances to the highest offices, people solicit bribes. Kenya has, unfortunately, become known for that. It is a cancer that remains untreated. We believe that Mr Abdi can bring about significant change. He is qualified, experienced, committed and passionate about transforming the EACC. Unfortunately, for many years, we have pretended to fight corruption without achieving meaningful results. The question we must ask is: Why? What is hindering us? The answer lies in our failure to appoint a committed individual to that office who can fight corruption to the end. As we encourage him to fight that vice, he needs a lot of support and security. Many corrupt individuals might resort to extreme measures against him. The Government must provide sufficient resources and security to Mr. Abdi, as many cases remain unprosecuted at the EACC. That Office requires adequate funding to fulfil our expectations. It is disheartening that for you to enrol your child in one of the best schools in the country, you often have to corrupt the system. If you want your child to succeed academically, you must manipulate the system. If you wish to import any goods, you must engage in corrupt practices. That system has destroyed our country. Today, many religious leaders are speaking out against corruption. My question is: Did corruption begin today? No. It has been present since 1963. Many people blame the Kenya Kwanza Government for corruption and yet, it has only been in office for two years. Our president has actively fought against corruption and has been transparent about his position on the matter. It is unfortunate that while various administrations have faced similar accusations in the past, they did not receive as much criticism as this current Government has. It is important to criticise and hold the Government accountable, and it is equally important for the Government to listen to its citizens and make the necessary changes. However, it seems some people act as if corruption is a recent development. In reality, corruption has existed for many years. Where were we during all those years to condemn that vice? The EACC was established some years ago and yet, it has not conducted serious investigations or prosecuted anyone effectively. As a nation and as a Parliament, we must demand thorough reports at the end of each year so that those found guilty can be presented to the relevant committees. Hon. Temporary Speaker, with the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution of Kenya, it is like corruption was also devolved. There is even much more corruption in the counties than at the national level. Corruption has become normal such that everybody knows that for you to win a tender, you must pay 15 per cent. Where are we headed to? The young generation is looking for money to buy the tenders and corrupt the leaders so that they can do some shoddy work. A lot of money has been allocated to the counties, but it cannot be accounted for simply because corruption has been devolved. It is my prayer that, as Mr Abdi takes office, he knows what is happening in all the counties. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has offices at the regional level and in different areas and yet, we know very well that those officers have been corrupted and are paid by individuals in the counties so that they do not take any action. We do not want to hear any of that. He should be firm, take the necessary actions and apply serious measures so that the corrupt leaders, governors and the whole system at the"
}