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{
    "id": 179769,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/179769/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 242,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. Mututho",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 97,
        "legal_name": "John Michael Njenga Mututho",
        "slug": "john-mututho"
    },
    "content": "Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, in this world, we live as if the world November 12, 2008 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 3391 has unlimited resources. We know scientifically that we have been here for over six million years. Logically speaking, we would also be expected to stay here for another six million years and the resources we have are adequate for six million years. It does not work that way. By our design and the living creatures, the way we multiply and use our resources makes us very cautious about the fact that they are getting depleted. I gave a clear demonstration about the microbes for hon. Members to understand that although the microbes in a bottle can last for 100 days, they faced a disaster in the 13th minute. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, in 1921, a convention was held concerning white lead. That was an environmental matter. Between that time and today, over 300 conventions and treaties have been signed internationally. Some of them have been too wordy, others too scientific and others too specific. All of them are saying that we are in danger. They are saying that the climate in this world that we live in is changing. You do not need to read about this; you just need to listen to any FM radio station or television station. I must pass my most sincere condolences to the families of the 15 people who have perished because of floods. In Ukambani alone, they have lost well over 15 people because of floods. We hear that 15 people have died in West Pokot because of landslides. An unknown number of people do not know where to sleep in Budalang'i. We are hearing so many stories. I wish the Member for Juja was around because there is no proper sewerage system in Githurai Kimbo, the water level is rising as a result. Soon or later, all those buildings will sink and that will become a disaster. We are living as if these resources are unlimited. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, we do not want to hear about more conventions. Let us have a practical approach. Let us say like Mr. Michuki said that there will be safety belts, so that we know it is practical. Tomorrow, Nairobi River will be cleaned and Mr. Mututho and his factory must stop disposing waste in it. We should now come to that level so that we do not waste any more useful time of this House discussing Motions and conventions. I sat in Bonn for two weeks. If you were to analyse what we agreed on and the position of the Kenya Government concerning the environment, it will take about two days to discuss that in this House. The position which was taken is only known by the people who participated in that conference. There are serious issues involved here. I do not want to take hon. Members' time talking and talking; the problem is here with us. I support this Motion on climate change but I would like hon. Members to go one step ahead. Before the Minister goes to the Doha Convention, he should make sure that we are doing something practical here at home. Our grandchildren may not even live. The Minister for Environment can tell us about the kind of air we are breathing in Nairobi. The air we breath is not controlled by the rich or the poor. No one has a barometer. No one measures the quality of air we breath in Nairobi. We are messing ourselves up with serious health problems to do with air quality and pollution and yet, we sit here and want to pass more laws and more conventions. I support this Motion from my heart but I want to see my great grandchildren also breath this air by taking certain measures, no matter how painful. Even if it means hon. Members coming to Parliament in bicycles, let it be. We can take temporary measures like the Chinese did during the Olympic games in China so that we can have a practical solution. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I want to ask the Minister for Environment and Mineral Resources to understand that life is God-given. This Minister should understand that this God-given right to live in a healthy manner should be protected by this Ministry. This Ministry must be at the forefront to protect lives. I stand here to second this Motion believing that there will be a practical solution sooner than later. I beg to second. 3392 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES November 12, 2008"
}