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{
    "id": 1522458,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1522458/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 234,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Karachuonyo, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Odipo Okuome",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker for giving me this opportunity. First, the work of police is extremely essential, important, and very necessary. I believe that we do not treat our police officers in a manner commensurate with what they do for us. These are people who face danger every moment they are on duty. Sometimes they work at night, and at times during daytime. In some cases, there are people plotting how to disable them from doing their work of stopping them from illegal actions. Some lose their jobs in the process. When it comes to their living conditions, some police officers live in shameful residential houses. They live in mabati structures with floors that are sometimes cemented, and at times with bare soil. Those are floors to put their beds or mats on. All these are very frustrating conditions. People’s attitude towards police officers needs some corrective action. Some people think of police officers as enemies. They do not realise that they are not enemies. Those who take police officers as enemies are criminals. Sometimes the police may require to move their vehicle systematically and legally. The police need to correct themselves on the issue of bribe taking that occurs occasionally. I cannot emphasise much more on the problems the police face. On a positive note, police officers provide security. People realise their importance when a problem occurs. Under such cases, everybody looks for them to come and bail them out. Our populace also needs to be educated so that they can realise the importance of the police service. Because of their necessity and what they do for us, police officers need to be paid well. I know one of my colleagues said that they are well paid, but I very much doubt that. These people are not paid well. That is why we see them looking for minor mistakes committed by drivers and ask them for money. We do not need to subject such people providing excellent service to us to such situations where they have to get additional money in the form of bribes. Something needs to be done about that. I support the idea of psycho-social support centres. These centres should not just be for reaction. They should be used for prevention so that police officers’ mental and physical conditions are checked often to ensure they are fit for work. This will enable them to do their work well. These centres should operate continually. In addition, police officers should undergo general medical check-ups, which should include all requirements of wellness of their bodies. I have mentioned the importance of police officers’ work and the action we need to take. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}