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{
"id": 1625040,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1625040/?format=api",
"text_counter": 255,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. Wambua",
"speaker_title": "",
"speaker": null,
"content": "are synonymous with their counties; that, they want to put up billboards with their names and photos, for every little thing that they do, indicating that they are the people and leaders who were responsible for the projects that they are talking about. However, they do not understand that they are in office for, if they are lucky, five years. If they get luckier, may be ten years. That is it. They can never be in office for more than ten years. Some of us are insulted by images of leaders and governors, that the voters kicked out of office, but their images are still staring at us, and proclaiming ownership of projects in the counties. This Petition by Laban Omusundi and the recommendations by the Senate Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations is one instance where as a Senate, we should actually move with speed, and ensure that those billboards and signages, whatever they are, are brought down. This is because, it is one thing to say that they should not be erected going forward, and a different story to have to endure the images of those governors and their names on those billboards looking down on us every time we use it, whether it is a road or a project that was initiated and completed during their time. So, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I fully support the recommendations of the Committee and thank Laban Omusundi for bringing that Petition to the Senate. Secondly, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, when I came in, I found my colleagues in serious conflict and war of words over remarks that were being made by the Senator for Nairobi City County. We must agree that this country belongs to all of us, those in authority and those under authority. This country belongs to all of us. There is one thing that is getting rare amongst us, and it gets me worried. The tolerance levels in the country are going very low, which is a matter of concern for me as a leader and citizen of this country. People will hold different views on the same matter. It does not mean that those people must be enemies just on account of different views that they hold. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, authority is given to some offices, including our offices, as Senators. We have the power to summon our governors and state officers and grill them on issues of public concern. The Executive has been given powers by the Constitution to ensure the safety of our property and lives, and make sure that this country runs in a good way. I keep saying that I am probably the least qualified to offer any advice to the national Executive or even the county executives. However, I would like to plead with the National Executive, led by His Excellency the President that, we tone down rhetoric and our speeches, and be careful with the things that we say in public, for good reasons. If our President says certain things in public, chances are that some people will react to those things and answer him. That exchange is not good for us. This country needs healing and tolerance. I know it is a difficult thing to ask for, but I will ask for it, anyway. I wish the President could find it in his heart to withdraw the orders that he gave yesterday about police shooting people in the leg. I just wish he could. Perhaps, he cannot, but I wish he could. That is an avenue for bloodshed in this country. We do not want to go that route. We want to differ politically, and we have said it openly, honestly and candidly, that, for us in the opposition, we are willing to persevere until 2027, to meet the President 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."
}