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{
    "id": 332409,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/332409/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 308,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "32 Thursday, 22nd November, 2012(P",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": ") I want to repeat, I never said that no one died. I just said these are very emotive issues. I would like to ask that the House treats these matters as such. Let us be patient and wait for the results of investigations. I was going to say that the KDF regrets any loss of life - when the hon. member interrupted me - and property that was destroyed during this unfortunate incident. However, the Ministry wishes to deny in the strongest terms possible that our soldiers were involved in robbing and destroying any property. The Ministry of State for Defence and this is on the issue of compensation is not competent to state anything on the issue of compensation. I have already stated elsewhere in this Statement that investigations are being carried out by competent organs of the State. We, as this House --- I appeal for patience as we await the results of these investigations. The question as to when people will be sent to court, again, this point will be better handled by relevant organs after conclusive investigations are made. The incident, as the House would appreciate, occurred in an environment of mayhem. Therefore, it cannot just be determined at the moment. In conclusion, I want to state very clearly that the KDF has always operated in Garissa and in other counties of this Republic. Our soldiers are known all over the world as professionals who have maintained very high discipline, both in Kenya and abroad where they have served the UN peace keeping missions. It is, therefore, unfortunate for our soldiers to be accused of rape, torture, looting, killing of women and children and burning business and essential properties in our own country. Such accusations can only be termed as malicious and are meant to be pursued, for the purpose of tarnishing the very good name of the KDF. This House has in many occasions risen to salute the professionalism of the KDF. I hope this unfortunate incident will not change the position of the House as regards their sons and daughters who are serving in uniform. The KDF remain committed to their core values of remaining apolitical, being subordinate to civil authority and remaining patriotic and loyal to this country. They will continue to deliver their service to this nation selflessly based on the highest professional standards possible. Thank you."
}