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{
    "id": 318613,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/318613/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 249,
    "type": "other",
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    "speaker": null,
    "content": "past but we are all moving forward with reforms in mind and our defence forces have shown their reform mood in the Operation Linda Nchi . So, I have no qualms in supporting this Motion and I know that they will go there with professionalism and they will respect our Constitution. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, I would like to say that the intervention of the Army does not stop peace building efforts which must be intensified between the communities living in the area. It is not also a substitute for normal police work – for the work that the National Security Intelligence Service (NSIS) should do. Where are the intelligence reports which should help the police in detecting and deterring crime? I also want to call upon the Executive to speed up police reforms. I know now the names are in Parliament, and I know Parliament will do its duty. I want to talk about police reforms because I have heard several leaders say that we should not have police reforms until after the general elections. These are people who are mistaken and who seem to think that police reforms begin and end with the hiring of the top most officer in the police force. Police reforms include equipping the police force sufficiently. They include use and acquiring and use of technology and right now, if our police were using satellite for surveillance, they would have a very easy time tracking the criminals who are upsetting peace in the Tana Delta. They would also be able to see what is happening on the ground and not to be surprised by attacks. Failing to prioritise and accelerate police reforms means that we will continue endangering the lives of our officers and citizens and not just in Tana Delta but in many parts of the country. We have seen attacks in Garissa, flare-ups in Wajir, Mandera, Moyale and Isiolo. We know there is insecurity in parts of Turkana and Pokot, and I am wondering whether the careless handling of this situation by the Executive is a political tool so that they can later tell us that it is not possible to continue with elections. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, that is why I want to applaud the Mover of the Motion and this institution of Parliament. We must do our duty to make sure that peace is restored in all parts of the country so that we can go on with our daily lives and we can also be able to have free and fair elections. Life is sacred. We have already lost over 100 people in the Tana Delta. We have lost more in other parts of the country. How many must we lose for us to act? As Parliament, we are part of the Government. The Government has three arms – Parliament, the Executive and the Judiciary. When the Executive is not acting, Parliament is enjoined to act. It is not Parliament that will deploy the Army but we are clearing the way and telling the Executive: “We expect you to do something extraordinary.” We are giving you the green light to deploy the Army to back up the rest of the security process but we must ensure that they are well co-ordinated and that is the work of the Commander-in-Chief because he commands all the security forces in this country to ensure that there is proper co-ordination between the Army, police and the intelligence so that we can provide peace in this country. I want to urge Parliament to support this Motion so that we do not only engage in blame games blaming the Executive without providing them with support. By supporting this Motion, we are executing our duties as Members of the National Assembly and clearing the way for the Executive and telling them loud and clear: “Deploy the Army now. Co-ordinate between the various security agencies and let us have peace in Tana Delta.” It is wrong that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) are capable of helping in Operation Linda Nchi in the region but are disabled from helping at home. That is why"
}