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    "id": 420557,
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    "content": "have not prepared for them when they die in the line of duty. We do not fully compensate their next of kin. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, it is in order that we really embrace this Motion and be able to improve it, so that we see how the Government can fully compensate an officer when he dies in line of duty. We need to salute our fallen heroes in the armed forces and other disciplined forces because they are the protectors of the people of Kenya. Those of us who have gone to Europe or America know how they value a fallen officer. They take care even of the graves where they are laid to rest. When our officers are killed in Kenya, nobody cares. If you recall the massacre that happened in Samburu in Suguta Valley where 42 officers were killed, nothing happened to fully compensate their next of kin. We read in the newspapers that some of the families whose bread winners were involved in the incident, the Government has forgotten them. How much does it cost to honour a profession that protects the integrity of the people of a nation? It just calls for a firm decision to say that we should go further to establish this fund. The families of those people want to also continue living decently like other Kenyans. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I remember one young man who died in 2002 in West Pokot. This young man was called Benson Torus Lopong. To date even the little money that was supposed to be paid has not been paid. The parents have followed up the issue until they have given up. I have also followed up the issue. Normally, they would tell you that the issue has been taken up by the nearest office, which is Eldoret. When you go to Eldoret, they tell you that it has been referred back to Nakuru. When you go to Nakuru, you are told that it has come back to the headquarters here. What a pity that they were supposed to pay a pension for an officer, but they have not. We have difficulties in paying the pension of somebody who has gone, and yet we enjoyed their services when they were alive. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, the same case applies to people who have retired. It is so difficult that people do not want to even think about their retirement. It becomes a burden to come looking for that little money. If we can go ahead and establish this fund as proposed in this Motion, we will assure the children of our fallen heroes who will be left behind of a bright future. The children and their families will know that, at least, the services of their parents were valued when they were alive. We also know what happens today during recruitment into the security forces. There is corruption during the recruitment. Therefore, the families of those who end up being recruited put a lot of hope in them. So, whenever tragedy strikes, it becomes very painful. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, the insurance that we are thinking about here should even cater for their housing. If the officer dies, part of the funds can be used to build a house or home for his children if they do not have one. This will boost the morale of our officers and make them serve this great nation with a lot of dedication. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, as you know, our borders are very porous. We rely heavily on only our security officers to man them. For that reason we need to stand firm with them, so that they can work with zeal. Somebody mentioned what our officers are doing in Somalia. We stand tall in the whole world because of our officers. But have we stood with the families of those who have lost their lives? This Motion calls upon all of 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."
}