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{
    "id": 1544417,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1544417/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 50,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Mariam Omar",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. Such abduction has a prolonged profound impact on the emotional, psychological and financial well-being of affected families. Children, in particular, may end up suffering from depression and behavioural changes due to the sudden disappearance of their parents. Affected families may face financial hardships and find it hard to navigate lives and afford daily household needs, medical care and other essential items, where those abducted were the primary breadwinners. The impact is even more devastating in this Holy Month of Ramadhan, where the affected families have to fully engage in prayers and fasting in the midst of the uncertainty of the whereabouts and wellbeing of their loved ones. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the abducted leaders play an important role in administration and local governance, maintaining peace and security, upholding the rule of law in Mandera County. The abduction has deeply affected the local community, distracted local governance and also threatened fragile security situation in Mandera County, which is likely to terrorize the region generally. The abduction is indication of the growing risk faced by the local leaders, especially in Mandera County. Mr. Speaker, Sir, as we condemn these tragic incidents, I call for thorough investigation to identify and bring to justice those responsible for abductions. The Government, through the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, must urgently take measures to ensure that all the available resources are deployed to secure an immediate and safe release of the chiefs, assistant chiefs and civilians. The Kenya Defence Forces and National Police Service must intensify operation in the area to locate and rescue these leaders and neutralize the threats posed by the abductors. More specifically, I urge the Government to- (1) Prioritize the immediate and safe returns of these abducted leaders and civilians. (2) Strengthen security forces and intelligence by enhancing border security and civilians. (3) Strengthen local infrastructure, education and create economic opportunities to reduce the number of the persons likely to be coerced by militant groups. (4) Provide physical support, financial assistance, community engagement programme to help the affected families cope with their trauma and uncertainty of their well-being and whereabouts of their loved ones. Mr. Speaker, Sir, in conclusion, I also call upon the Ministry of Interior and the National Administration to provide regular and comprehensive reports on the efforts being made to rescue the abducted leaders to restore the security in Mandera County. Thank you."
}