HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept
{
"id": 390833,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/390833/?format=api",
"text_counter": 315,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. Billow",
"speaker_title": "",
"speaker": {
"id": 260,
"legal_name": "Billow Adan Kerrow",
"slug": "billow-kerrow"
},
"content": "last year, we were informed that there was an attempt by terrorists to attack the National Assembly. In fact, we were told that had it not been for the lack of quorum, they would have gone ahead with it. Some of the actions taken by the security forces are commendable. However, I agree with other Members that maybe, at the end of all this, it is important also to question some of the issues that they have raised. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, what has happened now is a heinous crime. Terrorism is a crime against humanity. There is no doubt about it; we all condemn it in the strongest terms possible. What happened is barbaric. You cannot justify the killing of innocent women and children, for whatever cause. I do not think that any cause justifies terrorism. In fact, you lose the cause if you try to justify your action or problems by killing other innocent men, women and children. So, it cannot be dealt with on the blood of innocent people. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I think that the discrimination that we also saw at Westgate Mall by the terrorists, trying to identify who is a Muslim and who is not, was also criminal. It was a despicable and mischievous attempt to try and divide the people in this country. It is very good that Kenyans have said that we cannot be divided on religious terms. You cannot say that you are fighting for Islam when, in fact, everyday you are blowing up people in Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia. Everywhere else you are causing violence and then you say that you are a Muslim. As you all know, Islam stands for peace and does not condone violence. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the challenge in this country is corruption. It is very difficult for a Somali or Arab businessman, for example, who wants to come and invest to come through the airport. But it is the easiest thing for the terrorists, who can pay Kshs1,000, to walk into this country from any side, including the border posts, airport or ports. That is the challenge that we have. This is why the question of identity cards is being raised. My son and daughter were born in this town, but it took my son three years to get an identity card. When my daughter finished school, they issued identity cards to everyone in that school, but declined to issue her with one. I have called the Immigration officers more than three times to give her an identity card. But anyone who comes with Kshs500 or Kshs1,000 gets it. This is the challenge that we have. We can only fight terrorism through intelligence. I think that is something that we need to do. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir."
}