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{
    "id": 253281,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/253281/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 261,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. Kenyatta",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 168,
        "legal_name": "Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta",
        "slug": "uhuru-kenyatta"
    },
    "content": "Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I also rise to support this Motion. As has been stated by everybody, we must all acknowledge that these are regions that have been neglected for a very long time. It is important for us to acknowledge that the reason for insecurity in these areas is not cattle rustling or inter-clan clashes. The main reason is poverty. The constant fighting in these areas is all about the scarce resources in the areas. Unless this matter is urgently addressed by this country, we cannot expect to find a proper and lasting solution to this particular problem. I have stated before that there comes a time for us to put aside partisan interests and deal with issues that affect the people of this nation. I agree with what hon. Khamasi said that for far too long we have been paying lip service to the people of this country. One fears that in a few weeks time this issue will be long forgotten and new agendas brought to the fore until such a time another tragedy will occur. I think that this time there is need for action. There is need for this House to pool together and ensure that through the budgetary process we allocate adequate funds to develop these regions at par with other regions in this country. We must, specifically, as a House, budget in a manner of affirmative action and knowing that we are purposely allocating a certain percentage of our national revenue to the affected regions. We need to ensure that over, say a period of five years, we can adequately say that the marginalised areas have been able to catch up. With regard to security, we cannot treat the state of insecurity in these areas as we would do in our urban areas which are more populated. We are talking about vast areas here and attacks carried out by heavily armed militia groups with RPGs and heavy machine guns. What can six 582 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES April 19, 2006 policemen armed only with G3s do except run away? We need to bolster the security in these regions and adequately equip our Armed Forces. Let us move our Armed Forces from Nairobi where they do nothing to regions where they are required to protect the citizens of this country as opposed to earning salaries and doing nothing in their barracks. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, let us purposely as a House, regardless of our political parties' interests sacrifice and say: \"For the people living in marginalised areas of this country, we are going to work together as a House to ensure that within five years, these areas will be developed to par with other regions of this country.\" We need to set targets and these people will begin to feel that they are part of this country and not strangers in their own nation because that is the way it is today. Let us not accuse one another. We also need to work together. The leaders from the marginalised areas need to set aside their differences and speak with one voice. The Government must forget political interests and say that it is ready to sit with leaders and commit Government resources not for political gain, but for the security and betterment of the lives of the people in these marginalised areas. Let us see these actions being reflected in the forthcoming Budget. We need as a House to agree that this Budget will not pass unless specific resources are set aside for the purpose of alleviating problems faced in these regions. We all have needs, but some of us can wait because there are needs that are greater and that need to be fulfilled if at all we intend this country to remain united. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, with those remarks, I beg to support."
}