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{
"id": 1549656,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1549656/?format=api",
"text_counter": 372,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. Cheruiyot",
"speaker_title": "The Senate Majority Leader",
"speaker": {
"id": 13165,
"legal_name": "Aaron Kipkirui Cheruiyot",
"slug": "aaron-cheruiyot"
},
"content": "I hope that during the course of your deliberations as a Committee, you will take the initiative a few months from now to follow up with the state agencies tasked with implementing these proposals. This will ensure that the necessary actions are carried out as intended. I have noted the recommendations for the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), as well as the specific actions required of EPRA and other entities. These include ensuring that those found responsible are charged and brought to book. One of the challenges we continue to face as a country—and one I hope we can overcome in the future— is how we can quickly close what you would consider to be an open-shut case. Sen. Sifuna, there is nothing complex about this matter. Somebody was operating an LPG gas storage facility illegally. That individual is known, as the company has identifiable directors. These individuals are responsible for causing death and lifelong injuries to innocent citizens, including my dear friend, Collins Nabiswa, who resides in that proximity. Collins is someone I played football with and attended high school alongside. Today, if you were to meet him, you would hardly recognize the gentleman we once attended the same school. This tragedy has impacted so many other Kenyans, all due to such gross negligence. Why does it take such an inordinate long time? Why are the owners of this company not yet serving time in jail? Why is it - given your legal expertise - that this case must take a long time, appearing before a judge who then assigns mention dates far into the future? We must copy world-established practices, especially those that are worth emulating. You recall, and I have often cited this example, that recently we faced a similar situation. I hope that one day, perhaps when we have the opportunity to meet the Chief Justice, we can address this concern directly. As Houses of Parliament, and as leaders, we would seek to understand what measures can be implemented within our judiciary to expedite the resolution of these cases. I cite the recent example from the United Kingdom (UK), where demonstrations erupted following the tragic deaths of children. Unfortunately, these demonstrations escalated into near chaos, with elements of racial hatred, destruction of property and other criminal activities. Those who were captured on CCTV engaging in acts such as breaking into shops, mugging others or destroying property have, for the most part, been arrested. Many are already serving their sentences. In such cases, a judge reviews the footage, confirms the identity of the accused - be it Aaron Cheruiyot or any other individual - and hears their defence. By the following morning, a verdict is delivered, and they begin serving their time. I do not understand why in Kenya it is extremely impossible to see such kind of things. This is an individual who operated a facility illegally, without any license. Why does it have to take such a long time for justice to be served to the families of those who lost their lives and to those who were injured in this fire? I sincerely hope that, with the passage of this report brought before us, the relevant agencies and State Departments, including the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), will consider a quick conclusion of the trial of those responsible for this tragic incident. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard and AudioServices, Senate."
}