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{
    "id": 675085,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/675085/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 196,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. (Ms.) Otucho",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 12837,
        "legal_name": "Mary Emaase Otuch",
        "slug": "mary-emaase-otuch"
    },
    "content": "Thank you for the opportunity, Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker. I did not have my card today, but I will make sure I have it next time. I want to add my voice to the debate. First is to congratulate Hon. Injendi for bringing forth this very important Motion. I want to just mention to the Member who has just spoken that this debate is not in vain. It is very timely. We are generating that much needed awareness so that we begin to appreciate the work the village elders are doing as Kenyans. We call them Lugurus in my area. I am sure it will go a long way in enriching whatever legislation will be brought forth towards implementing the request of the Hon. Member. The work that is being done by these Lugurus or village elders is very important and critical. We must acknowledge that fact. Every time I have met my village elders, all they have had to say is “ Mheshimiwa, why can we not be recognised and get some kind of appreciation or token for the work we are doing?” We know these village elders play a very big role in dispute resolution. In my area, there are very many cases of child pregnancies, child molestation and very sensitive family issues. Sometimes, the village elders have put their lives at risk because they have to report against the will of the family members concerned. They are the people who are helping this country decongest courts. Some of the petty issues are resolved by the village elders. Besides family matters, we know we have very many land cases. There are very many land issues in my area. There are conflicts regarding boundaries and they end up in the homesteads of the Lugurus who have to resolve them. Otherwise, all those cases would end in the courts. What I want to say to save time so that another Member can contribute is that we must support this Motion. I support it. The Mover has to follow to see to it that we move to the next level where we have legislation. As the Vice Chairlady of the Budget and Appropriations Committee and my very able Chairman, Hon. Mutava is seated here, once we have legislation and the respective Departmental Committee has made a provision and it is brought to our Committee, we are going to support and make sure we avail funding so that these village elders can be supported. If we need more mobilisation, we will go to the village elders. When we need children to support through our bursaries, they know the needy and the poorest child in that village. These gentlemen, great women and ladies play a great role and they have personal responsibilities. They have family obligations. They have their own children to take to school and they have no salary. How do we expect them to survive? How do we expect them to The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}