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{
    "id": 1586964,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1586964/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 46,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Kabondo Kasipul, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Eve Obara",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Thank you, Hon. Speaker. Let me appreciate that some effort has been made, and there is progress on the case. However, regarding the specific questions that were asked, I am yet to be satisfied. The first question was why Albert was transferred from Homa Bay to Nairobi. Was this legal? This has not been clearly answered. In line with Article 49 of our Constitution, it is required that the arrested person be held near the place of arrest unless there are exceptional circumstances, and none were disclosed. The second issue which I am not satisfied was what specific online post led to his arrest. Up to this point, we do not know. The other question was whether Albert’s detention was documented at the Central Police Station. The response should have clearly stated that it was not. At the very least, there should be an acknowledgement that there were gaps in the manner in which his case was handled. They always say that the truth will set us free. I would, therefore, appreciate it if the Cabinet Secretary in charge acknowledged some of the shortfalls in the handling of the matter. When one speaks the truth, even those affected, including the family who have lost a relative, may find some comfort in knowing that the investigation was transparent and that the truth has been revealed. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Finally, on the question of injuries, the Ministry should explain the visible injuries, including bruises and swellings, as reported by the family and other observers. The Ministry or the Cabinet Secretary only referred to the existence of a post-mortem report, without addressing the injury findings. I would be happy if this matter was handled comprehensively. I am not fully satisfied. This issue has damaged Kenya’s image. Yes, we may make mistakes, but acknowledgement is the first step to recovery. It is only then that we can move forward and begin to have a genuine conversation about reforms, and what should be done as a country. I am not targeting any individual. I am speaking about the image of our country. What we saw yesterday, immediately after Mr Ojwang’s case, was someone brazenly shooting at a human being in the streets. This shows that the message has not been received. Even with all the public outcry and discussions, the police force appears not to have internalised the seriousness of the matter. If they had, we would not have witnessed what we did, and the instructions given to police officers on how to handle demonstrators would have been different. That police officer has damaged our reputation, and I believe that action has been taken, and he has been arrested. But in Ojwang’s case, let us go the full way. Thank you very much. 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."
}