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{
    "id": 307365,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/307365/?format=api",
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    "content": "brutal colonial system, a repressive Government and, as a result, we are looking for an opportunity in which we can say that our institutions have been decolonized - like we have done with our Judiciary. I think this Bill is important in the sense that it provides the security agency with the opportunity to shed its past and move forward as a legitimate institution that is supported by its people. We live in a complex and highly competitive environment and world. For our nation to succeed and become one of the respected and competitive nations, we need to keep our country and our communities safe. We need to have a sophisticated and a superb intelligence agency. That is why I think our intelligence agencies must operate under the law; must be answerable to Parliament and adhere to our Constitution. Those are some of the factors that I am excited about today because I know with our new Constitution which has returned my humanity to me - because it respects my rights as a Kenyan - I want an organization that does not make its decision to investigate me because of my colour, ethnicity, or because of my religion, but because of my behavior and conduct and be evidence-driven. This Bill is important for this country. It is the first time, if I can remember as a Kenyan, that we are having an open debate about the kind of intelligence agency that we should have and we deserve to have. As I said before, the Bill in some ways allows the agency to re-invent itself and to have democratic oversight. I support the various amendments that we have made under the various Committees that I have attended. I think, at the end of the day, we will have a Bill that stands up to the Constitution and which Kenyans can be proud of. But I think the agency needs to be innovative, efficient and smart in intelligence gathering. We have spent a lot of time talking about whether they should be armed or not. That is not necessary. I would have felt that it was more important that we discuss what kind of sophisticated equipment and training that we can give to this agency rather than a gun. I think that is the job of the police. The agency also needs to be independent, impartial and national in character. Also, it needs its staff members to have a high level of professionalism and earn the respect of Kenyans. By earning the respect and trust of Kenyans, then it can be an agency that can work with other Kenyans and can truly really defend the security of our people and our country. Also, at the international level, it should become respectable, co-operate with other agencies and exchange information that can also help us in our defence and security. I support the various amendments that will strengthen and make this a very interesting Bill. I support the coming into force of a new intelligence service in our country. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir."
}