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{
    "id": 460506,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/460506/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 326,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. M’uthari",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 1576,
        "legal_name": "Joseph M'eruaki M'uthari",
        "slug": "joseph-meruaki-muthari"
    },
    "content": "Hon. Speaker, Sir, I rise to support the report by these two Committees. As the Members are aware, the land docket is very important and many of the problems that we have in this country, including the post-election violence are related to land issues. It is tragic that officers in the Ministry are transferred without due diligence. If we allow Cabinet Secretaries to exercise the responsibility of transferring officers without due diligence, the Civil Service will be highly intimidated and officers will not perform their functions as they are supposed to. I commend the Committees for the work they have done. If somebody violates the Constitution or discharges responsibility and exercises powers that are not given to their office, then it will mean that people will do whatever they want to do. It is high time Parliament speaks, so that the Executive knows that we have a duty to oversee the Executive and protect even those who cannot come here and defend themselves. It is even wrong for some Members of this august House to insinuate that this matter is about gender, as if the matter is about men and women. Here we are talking about competence, following procedures and whether due diligence was observed in appointing officers. If the power to appoint is bestowed by the Constitution on the PSC, then it should be like that. Cabinet Secretaries can provide leadership and vision in the Ministries, but the idea of punishing officers without any reason should not be entertained by this House. With all due respect, it is important for the lady Members of this august House, when they meet lady officers in Ministries and departments, to tell them to do the right thing. They should not do the wrong things and when we come to the House, we do not speak out because one is a woman or a man. The report is about issues. There are facts in the whole report which have been quoted. The Constitution has also been quoted. For this purpose, I support this report. Everybody in this Republic must take responsibility. It is because of impunity and people being allowed to do what they want to do that we have had so many problems. This time round, the Constitution is there to defend everybody, both the civil servants and the Cabinet Secretaries. I wish to support the report and ask those in offices to take time and do what they have to do. As I speak, in many areas, including my constituency, for the last 50 years, people have not been given title deeds and land has not been surveyed. Instead of concentrating on what is important, the officers concentrate on sideshows. It is the right time for this House to stand up for the rights of everybody to ensure that due diligence is observed. I support the report."
}