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{
    "id": 306544,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/306544/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 310,
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    "content": "have given a justification for the appointment of all the members of this very important Commission. Let me say from the outset that you appoint members of the Commission and the National Land Commission is just one of these commissions, once you are appointed you are not a delegate of a community or a tribe. For example, the Chief Justice of Kenya, hon. Willy Mutunga is not a delegate of the Kamba community in the Judiciary. He is the Chief Justice of the Republic of Kenya. Now this Commission is so important that the moment we begin to look at members of this Commission as delegates or representatives of particular communities or tribes, then we are completely lost in what this Commission is required to do. I want to say that by passing these land Bills which are now part of the laws of Kenya and also in putting in place this National Land Commission, the responsibilities of the Commissioner of Lands and that entire department and the Department of Lands and Settlement now fall within the jurisdiction of this National Land Commission. On top of it, the quasi-judicial body that will look into historical injustices is not just as a side show, but should come up with tangible recommendations and relief for those who have suffered for not just past historical injustices, but even what can be categorized as current injustices. In accordance with Article 68 of the Constitution, they will review all title deeds; that means from year 1910, to determine whether those title deeds were regularly issued. Those are the words of the Constitution. By the Land Bill that we passed in this Parliament, they have been given a framework to determine on reasonable complaints being made to it or by its own motion to determine whether any title deed issued, including in the Maa community, was irregular. Every title deed that has got its origin even in the colonial days, this Commission has the right and authority to determine whether they were irregularly issued or not. So, their responsibility is wide. I do not envy the work they will do. The issues of those who are internally displaced and compulsory acquisition of land on behalf of the Republic are responsibilities of the Commission. So, I pray to Mr. ole Ntimama particularly, that if we begin to look at these commissions as bodies which should carry every single community, then we are not going to be able to work. If today Martha Karua is elected the President of the Republic of Kenya - I wish you well - I will not look at you as a delegate of Gichugu Constituency. The issue of your agenda would not matter. Are you up to the job? That is the first responsibility. This Commission is so important that I think that if it can deliver, then 60 per cent of the problems that we face as a country will have been resolved. There are issues of planning or zoning of our cities and environmental issues. All these fall within the province of this Commission. So, when I was looking at the qualifications of those who have been appointed---"
}