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{
    "id": 563093,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/563093/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 99,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Wakhungu",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 1889,
        "legal_name": "Chrisantus Wamalwa Wakhungu",
        "slug": "chrisantus-wamalwa-wakhungu"
    },
    "content": "With regard to the Report that has been tabled, it is high time it was extrapolated. Issues of land, as my other colleague has mentioned, are not only in Coast Province, but also in parts of Rift Valley Province and especially Trans Nzoia County where we have all been having issues to do with land. I have gone through this Report and I want to thank the Committee for the good work. They managed to consult key stakeholders. So, it was really consultative and participatory. When you read Article 66(2) of the Constitution, it says Parliament shall enact a legislation to ensure that matters of the land, where investment has been done, should benefit the local community. So, it is, indeed, important that in that particular region of Taita, whoever has bought the land and whatever investments he has put in place, he must plough back to the society. It is just like the aspect of corporate social responsibility. It is, indeed, critical that a proper legislation is put in place to ensure that all the investments in any given region, whether in Coast or Trans Nzoia improve the welfare of that particular local community. It is very embarrassing to learn that people cannot access public utilities in the region like railway, dam or primary school. Again, when you read Article 66(1) of the Constitution, it is very clear that the Government can regulate land for purposes of public order. In case land matters are not sorted out, it can lead to bloodshed. So it is critical that the Government must move with speed to ensure that there is order in that particular region. Again, on the issue of 30,000, we have had a conspiracy when it comes to matters of surveying land with the Ministry of Lands. You find that somebody’s portion of land is beyond what is in the title. It is, indeed, important that an inquiry is done so that you move with speed to ascertain the true acreage of that particular Taita Sisal Estate. In case there is any extra land that is being utilized illegally, just as the Constitution says, it must be reverted to the community and that particular person must pay back to the local community any proceeds that he has acquired from that extra land. This has been across the board and it is high time we implemented it. On the issue of historical injustice, the Constitution is very clear. This is the time the NLC must move with speed to establish whether there are any historical injustices. This is not just in Coast Province. There are parts of Rift Valley that were affected. I can see Mheshimiwa Serut smiling there. In Rift Valley we have land problems. The NLC must, therefore, move with speed. For example, in my constituency, there is a place called Sikhendi. Some people have colluded and so you will find them coming up with some bogus court orders to evict the local community. This one should not be allowed. We must always defend the local community and the NLC must move with speed so that everything can be put in the proper order. Thank you. I support."
}