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    "id": 2591,
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    "content": "(Prof. Saitoti): Thank you very much, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, for giving me this opportunity to contribute to this very important Motion. From the outset, I want to make an appeal to Members of Parliament that at this moment, it is important for us to support more the Kenyan troops who are in Somalia today. As a matter of fact, just very briefly, touching on a historical account, it may be recalled that since President Siad Barre left Somalia in 1991, that country, which is a neighbouring country has never had a functioning Government. The institutions of the state have not existed because of the warring factions and activities. We have a country that needs the sympathy not only from us, Kenyans, but also from the international community. A whole generation has been lost. Young people have been born during this time; more than 20 years ago, and have not had the benefit of education despite the United Nation’s Charter that says every child has a right to education. The people of Somalia have not had the benefit of access to health, clean water and employment. They have suffered tremendously. We have always considered the neighbouring countries as our brothers although they lack functional institutions. I think we have to be very clear. They are our brothers because they live next to us. When they live in a situation of instability, it invariably affects our own security, economy and stability. We should begin from that. Kenya has fulfilled its international obligations. We have played host to the people of Somalia and others who have found it impossible and intolerable to live under difficult circumstances of insecurity and, of course, poverty and hunger. In 1991, we took over half a million refugees from Somalia. We all complained but we felt, as a country, we must fulfill our international obligations. These are people who are living in a neighbouring country and a problem in Somalia translates itself immediately, into a problem in this country. True, this has happened. The Americans immediately withdrew their troops from Somalia in 1992. Until recently, Somalia has been abandoned by the international community. The only country that has made an attempt to assist Somalia is this country. Our country has done that at a high cost. Of course, others will argue and say that those are the problems of Somalia. The Americans left, why should we be there? It would have been the biggest selfish mistake to abandon them. We have embarked on a very strong international advocacy that Somalia needs to be assisted. Why did the international community, for example, the European Union and America contribute troops that cost billions of dollars to go to Iraq and Afghanistan? Why not Somalia?"
}