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{
    "id": 671151,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/671151/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 51,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "July 5, 2016 SENATE DEBATES 7 Sen. Abdirahman",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Mr. Speaker, Sir, I thank my colleague, Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale, for raising the concerns of the people of Isiolo County. As you have rightly put it, he has no apologies to make. This House is viewed as the voice of the voiceless, particularly from the marginalised counties. I appreciate this particular Petition and many others that have been brought to this House in the past. Communities now know their rights by the fact that they are able to petition gives them an opportunity to raise the issues that cannot be handled at a lower level. What we always see is the tip of the iceberg. Quite a number of them are on the way ranging from the mismanagement of public resources as we have seen in the past to issues that touch on the lives of the ordinary citizens in this country. Mr. Speaker, Sir, public participation is an essential pillar in the Constitution. Our county governments have taken the Constitution in total disregard of relevant laws that exist in this country. The game reserves are an important community resource. Without the consultation of the community, they cannot lease. Governors must be held responsible. Unfortunately, our county assemblies have not been strong enough to defend the interest of the counties just because the executive manipulates them all the time by giving them contracts here and there. I urge the county assemblies to stand firm as we approach the final year before election. I urge the county assemblies to be vigilant with the management of resources. A number of county assemblies have stood firm, particularly with regard to the budgeting process. A number of budgets were rejected in a number of county assemblies. Some of those that went through did so through manipulation. I urge the communities that feel aggrieved to come forward like the people of Isiolo and bring the petitions to the Senate. I also urge the relevant Committee that will be assigned this to speed up and make sure that we get the report on time and follow it up. Our secretariat must follow---"
}