Entry Instance

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

{
    "id": 646952,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/646952/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 221,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "April 20, 2016 SENATE DEBATES 33 Sen. Okong’o",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. From the outset, let me take this opportunity to congratulate the proponent of this Bill, Hon. Wesley Korir, who two days ago became number four in the Boston Marathon where he set a record in 2010. That record has never been broken. Secondly, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, this Bill is timely considering that we have threats of sanctions from the western countries. This mistake is not of their making but it is because of the laziness of the Cabinet Secretary, Mr. Hassan Wario who has good credentials with a PhD, but lazy in complying with some of these issues. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I have looked at this Bill extensively but I have realized that one thing is missing and I request the Leader of Majority to consider. We do not have to be talking about headquarters in Nairobi especially this time of devolution. This agency should have its headquarters in Elgeyo-Marakwet, where we have abundance of athletes, and not necessarily in Nairobi. This is a matter that we need to consider as we go to the Committee of the Whole stage. The issue of penalties has been discussed. We need to have punitive measures such as life imprisonment against crooks who mess up our young athletes. As we prepare for the Olympics, I am surprised that the Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Wario, has given powers to one Mr. Muthee, to be in charge of a committee dealing with matters of athletics. This is wrong because he does not have the qualifications to lead our team. These matters need to be taken into consideration. As we comply with other relevant laws, the Cabinet Secretary in charge of sports, culture and arts needs to hear the cries of athletes in this country, who are requesting that he reconsiders the decision of appointing somebody who is learning rugby to be in charge of their activities. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I heard Sen. Billow talk about world powers that are interested in interfering with our country’s internal affairs. Kenya has been a powerhouse in athletics for over 50 years and there is a well orchestrated move by western countries to curtail her interests of dominating. If we are not keen, as we domesticate this Bill, we might fall prey to these world powers. They are looking out for countries that are doing well. You saw what they did to President Muammar Gaddafi, who had protected his country’s interests and was advocating for the unification of Africa. They killed him and left the country in shambles. There is only one President in Africa who stands before world powers, because he has the institutional memory, and speaks against them. Although some of us think that he has been in power for too long, he tells them what they need to be told, clear and square. President Mugabe is the only remaining President in this world who has the institutional memory and understanding about the orchestrated move by western countries which want to interfere with our countries. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, since the Senate Majority Leader and Senate Minority Leader have spoken eloquently about this Bill, I rest my case and beg to support."
}