Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 594573,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/594573/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 170,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Aluoch",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 5,
        "legal_name": "John Olago Aluoch",
        "slug": "john-aluoch"
    },
    "content": "thank you, hon. temporary deputy speaker for the chance to address this very important motion. I want to address an issue that is different from what members have talked about. I appreciate the point that members know the gravity of the issues involved in this motion. The motion has got serious financial implications that must be addressed as hon. members have said. From my experience with motions, this motion only urges the government and it does not compel the government. So, if there is seriousness, then you should look at the financial implications of the motion and convert it into a bill that amends the firearms act. That would have the force of law behind it and it will also look into whether it is financially possible to implement what is being passed here. The important thing is that the central firearms bureau (CFB) that issues licences to firearm holders does not vet those who are supposed to be given licences properly. Where persons have been identified and given licences, they are not properly trained on how to handle firearms. Early this morning, hon. Waluke talked about an incident at Kisumu airport on Sunday where a member of this house, in an effort to uncock his pistol before putting it in a box before it is taken to the aeroplane, accidently fired a shot at the airport. That was a clear demonstration of somebody who has been given a gun but has not been trained on how to handle it. The CFB needs to look at that. The important thing again, is that many licensed firearm holders lose their firearms out of negligence. How many times have we read in the media about hon. members of this house forgetting their firearms in toilets? It has happened several times. What does that mean? it simply means lack of appreciation of the seriousness of what a firearm is. A firearm is not just a gun. If you look at the firearms act, you will see what a firearm is. It is defined. There are several types of guns. What we need to do is to see how we can track firearms properly. I believe if we consult properly with hon. Munyaka on this very serious issue, we should come up with a properly drafted bill. We should also consult the executive. As it is now, I would not be surprised if even as we debate this motion, the director of cfb is not keen to monitor the progress of this motion because at the end of the day, he or she is under no obligation to implement it. So, if you are serious about this issue which is very important, then we must convert this motion into a bill to amend the firearms act and consult widely with the executive on the financial implications it has on the budget. as it is now, it is a good idea and I support it, but I am afraid that it will remain a good idea on paper and it will not be implemented. Thank you. The temporary deputy speaker (hon. (Ms.) Shebesh): I now give the floor to hon. Dawood."
}