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{
    "id": 1533652,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1533652/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 966,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Kirinyaga County, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Njeri Maina",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "know very well that we have the Equalisation Fund and 12 years plus of devolution. Water is now primarily a devolved function. What do we have to show for it? As Members of Parliament, we must ensure that - even as we push for more funding for counties and equal distribution of resources - the same is applied because that is taxpayers’ money. There is no single Member of Parliament or an elected leader who spends their own funds to engage in development agenda for their respective constituencies or counties. This House must also be accountable, and must not absolve itself of accountability in regard to the distribution of the national Budget. We were treated to a very melodramatic presentation yesterday where accusations were levelled against the Budget and Appropriations Committee and its leadership. We sit as Members of Parliament to authenticate, question and query the Budget statements that are passed on the Floor of this House. So, when I see Members trying to bedevil each other because of political inclinations and realignments… These political realignments will come and go. Perhaps, Hon. Keynan and I will be on the same side in the next Government. We should quit bedevilling the now - I am not sure if he is the former - Chairperson of the Budget and Appropriation Committee, who has been the Chairperson of that Committee for two-and-half years. Prior to this, he was the Member of Parliament for Kiharu. Members of this House have been to his constituency to benchmark the work he has been doing for the people of Kiharu Constituency. It is the duty of every Member of Parliament to sit here during proceedings. When the national cake is being shared, they oughyto ensure that the people they represent get what they are owed by the Government. We are all taxpayers. We must also ensure that the President makes declarations that impact the people of Kenya. I saw a request for a machine that will make one million chapatis a day. As Members, we must differentiate rhetoric from the needs of the Kenyan people. At the end of the day, in 2027, the electorate will hold us accountable. Therefore, even with the other overriding interests and party positions, let us think about the Kenyan people. What do we need to match for them to feel equally represented? I also wish to appreciate the recent amendments to the Public Audit Finance. I have seen an allocation to the Security Committee and Ksh32 billion to the National Intelligence Service (NIS) for covert operations. Those monies must be accounted for and channelled in a manner that benefits the mama mboga in Turkana, Kirinyaga, Kisumu, and all the other corners of this great nation. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker."
}