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{
    "id": 504585,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/504585/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 379,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Hassan",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 431,
        "legal_name": "Hassan Omar Hassan Sarai",
        "slug": "hassan-omar-hassan-sarai"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir for this opportunity. First and foremost, I want to send my sincere condolences to all the families that have lost their loved ones out of barbaric attacks in Mandera. I join others in calling for the accountability of the Government on matters of security. Our security machinery has been extremely reactive. I think that if we do not preempt the possibility of continued attacks that are always polarised within this realm of religion, sooner or later, we will not have a country to look at. I, however, have to respond to a certain issue because many people here will speak to other issues of critical importance. The strategies in combating terrorism must change. I must commend my friend and brother, Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale for the extra ordinary input that he has made. Some of us have chosen our friends and coalitions out of conscience because we believe, as a coalition, that in any democracy, the Constitution must be respected and every person must be safeguarded within the realm of that Constitution. The level of insecurity notwithstanding does not take away our inherent right as leaders who represent some of these communities particularly in Mombasa and other parts of this country to speak out when there are transgressions against wholesome members of the community. I have heard Sen. Murungi and Sen. Wetangula saying that until and unless we strengthen our security machinery and our intelligence capacity, it is not right for people to raid entire villages and neighbourhoods just because of public perceptions that they are fighting terrorism. It is wrong for anybody in this country to be killed; whether that person is Muslim or Christian. We are always called upon to condemn one killing after another which is done in the name of Islam. No killing can be done under the name of Islam. But equally, when Muslims are killed in situations that are doubtful, this country should also galvanise because no right should be taken away without the necessary procedure set up by the law being followed. Time and again, I have heard the Deputy President, yesterday and even the day before, cautioning leaders. Let me tell the Deputy President here that we have been elected to represent people. If you humiliate any section of this community through actions that are based on condemnation of the entire community, we will speak out. They have defended their communities in many other arenas and this is the kind of Kenya we must move away from. We must protect any community as long as we are the leaders of this country without polarizing any community of this society. Finally, I hope that we will change strategies so that we become effective. There are perceptions or allegations that mosques were scenes of crime. I ask this Government to speedily work towards the reopening of these mosques. Let them know that if they want to pursue the crime or to access the bombs that were inside, I believe that they have them now. They should now take the matter to court and open the mosques. Mosques as I said do not commit crimes. Let it be known that in a democracy, our inherent rights to speak out on matters that we feel are improper rests there. That is grounded and protected by this Constitution. 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."
}