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"id": 198065,
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"content": "One would be extremely naive, disingenuous and callous not to give credit due to President Mwai Kibaki and hon. Raila Odinga for sacrificing their personal egos, to grant peace a chance and save Kenya from the political morass it had suddenly descended into. The two leaders have shown the world that, whereas it is our right to participate in any political competition, we must always close ranks and co-operate with one another if the integrity of our beloved country is at stake. The action of the two leaders has created a new political reality - that while all of us many not win in an election, all of us do not have to lose just because any one of us did not win. We must create, develop and promote a political culture where the winner does not take everything and the loser remains with nothing including their dignity. This is possible if the political playing field is level and there is a strong democratic culture in our country. Last but not least, let me commend the Group of Eminent Persons led by His Excellency, Dr. Kofi Annan, the immediate former United Nations (UN) Secretary-General together with Her Excellency Gracia Machel Mandela of South Africa and His Excellency Benjamin Mkapa of Tanzania. Their tireless efforts were generously supported by both the immediate and past African Union (AU) Chairmen, namely His Excellency John Kuffuor of Ghana and His Excellency Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, respectively, the President of Uganda, the United Nations, the European Union and its representatives in Kenya, the United States of America, the African Union and several international organisations and Kenya's development partners, especially embassies and missions based in Nairobi. The clear message they sent to the Kenyan people and their leaders made several people confident that we were not alone. Indeed, in the current globalised world, international goodwill is an indispensable asset that no country can afford to ignore, not even the most powerful country in the world. Hon. Members, in conclusion, let me observe the following sad facts about our country: The recent events have exposed the fault-lines in our system of governance. Kenyans went to the polls and voted largely freely and without compulsion. The genesis of the problems that afflicted the nation would appear to have had its epicentre at the Electoral Commission Headquarters. The situation dictates an evaluation of our electoral unit. I have this very humble submission to make: Democracy is not made by God, but by man. Everything created by man is normally brittle, fragile, frail and, therefore, can easily break and be destroyed completely. Yes, we may believe and insist that building strong institutions is a prerequisite for establishing a functional democratic society, but the truth is that if Kenyans genuinely want to live in a multiparty democratic State, we must nurture democracy in our hearts and minds. Democracy must be part of our culture and upbringing. It must be in our homes, families and in schools. It must be in our offices and other workplaces. We must, therefore, be tolerant and prepared to accommodate and glorify our cultural differences, social diversity, economic variety and political pluralism. This is the path we must follow if it is really our desire that democracy thrives in Kenya. Hon. Members, let me finally reiterate what I said on the day of my election to the Chair. I promise, once again, to abide by the Standing Orders of the National Assembly while presiding over the proceedings of the House. I shall apply the rules of the House fairly and firmly and interpret them in the most transparent and accountable manner. I would like to urge the newly- elected hon. Members to quickly acquaint themselves with these rules of debate, so that they are able to participate effectively in the proceedings of the House. 40 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES March 6, 2008 At this moment in our history, Parliament must stand tall and high to make Kenyans proud. There is no time in our country when the institution has been required to defend the dignity and the integrity of its citizens more than now. Never before has the House been expected to show leadership by reconciling our people and giving them hope than at this moment in time. If Parliament descends into anarchy, despondency, despair, hopelessness and behaves like a rudderless vessel in the ocean, then the Kenyan nation will not just sink, it will drown. The people of Kenya are going to watch us as their leaders and analyse every word uttered by every hon. Member. Remember, and I say this with all the humility that I can command, another set of five years is not so distant. Voters shall once again get a chance to audit and vet the Membership of this House thoroughly. They are now in Kenya renown for their very effective cost- profit analysis of political representation. Constantly bear in mind, hon. Members, that every day you come to the august House, that the Kenyan elector as empowered, votes without fear or favour, and many of us owe our presence here today to that trait. With those few remarks, it is my pleasure to invite His Excellency the President to address the House and inaugurate the Second Session of the Tenth Parliament. Thank you and may God bless Kenya."
}