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"content": "Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise, pursuant to Standing Order No.52(1), to make a statement on a matter of national concern, namely, to pay tribute to the late Hon. Josiah Mwangi Kariuki, known as J.M. Kariuki, a fearless patriot, a visionary leader and a champion of social justice. As we mark 50 years since his assassination on 2nd of March, 1975, his life, legacy and the values he stood for remain deeply relevant to our nation today. Hon. Speaker, Sir, J.M. Kariuki's advocacy for the common Mwananchi shook the very foundations of power. He was a man who spoke truth to authority, unafraid to expose the widening gap between the wealthy elite and the struggling masses. His famous words, “Kenya is a country of 10 millionaires and 10 million beggars,” still ring true even five decades later. Today, despite Kenya's independence and economic progress, we find ourselves in a situation where a small elite controls the vast majority of wealth, while millions of citizens continue to struggle under the weight of poverty, unemployment, and inequality. Born in 1929 in Kabati, Nyandarua County, J.M. Kariuki came from humble beginnings. Despite financial hardships, he pursued education, attending King's College Budo in Uganda, an opportunity that broadened his political awareness. Inspired by Jomo Kenyatta's speeches, he became an ardent critic of colonial rule. J.M. Kariuki played an active role in the Mau Mau movement, serving as a liaison officer, organizing logistics for freedom fighters. This commitment led to his arrest in 1953, and he spent seven years in detention camps under the British rule. Upon his release in 1960, he remained steadfast in his advocacy for justice, land reform and economic equality. After Kenya's independence in 1963, he served as President Jomo Kenyatta's private secretary, before becoming a Member of Parliament for Nyandarua North Constituency. His legacy was defined by his outspoken critique of corruption, economic exploitation and social injustice. Mr. Speaker, Sir, J.M. Kariuki's courage made him a target. On 2nd March, 1975, he was last seen at Hilton Hotel in Nairobi in the company of state security officials. Days later, his mutilated body was discovered in Ngong Forest, sparking a national outrage. A Parliamentary Committee implicated senior police and Government officers, yet no one has been held accountable, making his assassination one of Kenya's darkest political injustices. As we commemorate 50 years since his passing, we must ask ourselves, how have we upheld the ideals that he fought for? How have we made Kenya a land where all can thrive, not just survive? Sadly, his warnings remain a reality. While we may no longer speak of 10 million beggars, today 50 million Kenyans still face economic hardship, struggling to afford basic needs, access to health care, and secure decent employment. Mr. Speaker, Sir, J.M. Kariuki stood for universal and accessible healthcare, yet today, millions of Kenyans are trapped in a failing Social Health Authority system, unable to get medical treatment when they need it most. He spoke against economic"
}