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"id": 229104,
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"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Ms. Karua",
"speaker_title": "The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs",
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"id": 166,
"legal_name": "Martha Wangari Karua",
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"content": " Thank you, Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, for giving me this opportunity to contribute to this Motion in support of the Presidential Address. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, in my view, this was the most comprehensive Address March 28, 2007 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 229 and the best Speech ever expounding on all policy areas on things we need to do for this nation. The Speech dwelt on our achievements because we are a country that is shy of singing its achievements. We always look for faults. It is good to identify gaps in order to grow. It is equally important to acknowledge where we have achieved. If we do not ever acknowledge our successes, then we shall never be able to move forward. That is why I am so appreciative that the Presidential Speech did capture our achievements. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, it is quite obvious, even to the most reluctant critic, that something is happening in our nation. In spite of inheriting a run down economy and a dilapidated infrastructure, something good is happening. The economy is on the upward trend achieving 6 per cent and, perhaps, will go to 7 per cent by the end of our term this year given what we have achieved in terms of building infrastructure. We know we have not completed, but we have taken strides that demonstrate to all and sundry that Kenya is on the move. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, being able to fund our budget to the tune of 95 per cent is no mean achievement. We must continue to sing our achievements and strive to achieve more. We have very many problems and challenges that we are yet to tackle, but these are challenges that need bipartisan support. I mourn the lack of patriotism among us, as the leaders of this country. It is time we rose to the occasion and addressed bipartisan issues that require the support of both sides in order to restore confidence in our nation and alleviate the suffering of the majority. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I have had a chorus during contributions to this Motion on the issue of tribalism, but I want to say that for most of those raising the issue, one may be forgiven for thinking that they may be the agents of tribalism themselves. The tribal card has been played for over two decades now. However, at the time of Independence, we were one nation and that is why we were able to drive out the colonisers. Immediately thereafter, the ruling elite picked the divide and rule of the colonialists which has been perfected by some of our leaders today. Those who sing about tribalism most are the ones who are perpetuating it or using the policy of divide and rule. We hear leaders crying about their communities and yet they are the same people who exploit their own communities but when it suits them, they will talk about others. In order to address the ills of tribalism that has been fanned over the decades, we will have to apply sober minds. This Government has tried its best, in five years, to erase something that has been happening over two decades. However, it is not easy. Although the Government has addressed this problem and deliberately tried to create a balance, not only in the Civil Service, but also in appointments and in terms of recruitment, it is not something that can be achieved overnight. It is something gradual. Therefore, whereas we admit that there may be areas where imbalances are found, I want to stand here and acclaim this Government as the most representative since Independence and as the most responsive to the need for ethnic balance. What are the leaders doing? I hear people who were carrying flags as Ministers only yesterday talk of tribalism. Until we analyse the Ministries they held and see how they behaved when they were Ministers, we shall not be able to exorcise the ghost of tribalism."
}