HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept
{
"id": 395421,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/395421/?format=api",
"text_counter": 242,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. (Prof.) Lonyangapuo",
"speaker_title": "",
"speaker": {
"id": 447,
"legal_name": "John Krop Lonyangapuo",
"slug": "john-lonyangapuo"
},
"content": "Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise to second this Motion that has been moved by my neighbour and brother, Sen. Munyes. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, before 1982 when this plant was introduced with the sole purpose of remedying the people, there were human beings who were living in Turkana, but it has now turned to be a nightmare, as was displayed almost four years ago. A living goat was brought all the way to Nairobi from Marigat, the belt of the area. This plant was also introduced in Baringo County, which neighbours Turkana County. What we saw was not very good. For those of us who love animals and goat meat, if you saw the way that the animal had been affected, it actually sent a signal that some of our animals are consuming poisonous plants. This plant christened “Mathenge” has, indeed, been a source of problems in the whole of northern Kenya and North Rift, in particular. For example, in West Pokot County, which neighbours Turkana County, this plant has encroached on the Great North Road, from Kitale, Kapenguria and all the way to Lodwar and Lokichoggio. This is one stubborn plant that can even grow through the tarmac. There is no tarmac road now between Marich Pass and Lokichoggio, courtesy of this plant that was introduced about 30 years ago. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, it is, therefore, a crisis and disaster for us, Kenyans, who live in those areas. Sen. Haji says that it is not only in North Rift, but has gone all the way and follows River Tana to the Indian Ocean. We have had problems on the border of Samburu and Turkana and occasionally, between West Pokot and Turkana, because of cattle rustling. These cattle rustlers hide in the bushes. Hence, this plant has become the safest place where these people hide. This is because it grows into very thick forests, regardless of whether or not there is water. As a result, all the grass that the pastoralists were depending on is gone, because the plant has covered huge areas. Therefore, something has to be done. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}