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{
    "id": 439566,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/439566/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 385,
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    "content": "I agree with the Leader of the Majority Party, hon. Aden Duale, when he said that all politics are local. In Meru County, the local politics are about miraa . There is a lot of desperation in Meru County because dealing and consumption of miraa is just about to be banned in its high-end market worldwide. Charity begins at home. As a country, we must be able to show the way as far as this produce is concerned. Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker, we are talking about Vision 2013 and its three pillars – the social, economic and political pillars. We cannot afford, as a country, to kill the miraa industry, which is the economic mainstay of Meru County. That is why we are saying that if we bring on board regulations, we can have a structured manner in which the produce can be consumed. Therefore, I beg the House to agree with the Select Committee. The terms of reference that were agreed upon by the Committee demanded that we carry out a comprehensive investigation into the produce that is called “ miraa ”. Meru County’s economy depends on miraa . If we want to kill the economy of Meru County today, we can reject this Report. On the other hand, if we are going to stand with the people of Meru County and give a chance to the children whose school fees are paid from the proceeds of miraa – and give a lifeline to the families that depend on miraa for their livelihood – we should adopt this Report. Doing otherwise would be giving Meru County a kind of life that has never been witnessed in that region since this country attained Independence. Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker, I appeal to the Government to step in and assist. It cannot afford to neglect Miraa as a crop any more. This is our time to say that the Government must take action. The Jubilee Government said that this is the year of action. I am saying that, if this is it, let it be, then let us see action being taken on this crop that we cherish as the Meru County. Thank you, hon. Members for assisting us in this process. I thank you all."
}