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{
    "id": 718214,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/718214/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 158,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. (Ms.) Ngetich",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 511,
        "legal_name": "Cecilia Chelangat Ngetich",
        "slug": "cecilia-chelangat-ngetich"
    },
    "content": "Sexual Offence Act which is now being amended. This Bill is a further emphasis on the same, particularly on the implementation. There are many legislations that protect the girl and boy-child from being sexually offended. However, we noticed that the implementers – those who are supposed to protect them-- -For example, when reporting sexual offences, there should be a desk where a report can be made in privacy but this rarely happens. Secondly, I want to support public awareness, particularly giving students in schools or young persons life skills. How can they also avoid this? It is better to prevent than allow an offence to be committed and then follow it up. I have dealt with a case before where a mentally sick girl was raped by a boy who used protection. So, if you look for evidence, you cannot find any. Secondly, because the victim was mentally ill it was very difficult to resolve the case. This is despite having a witness. We are still dealing with that case in Sotik. I hope that this Bill that is now being amended will come up with very stringent measures to be taken against anybody who does some undesirable acts to either a girl or boy. They should face the law as it is. Hon. Speaker, this also happens in social places. This is because there are people who intentionally, as you criss-cross each other, make sure that their bodies touch your breasts. This, again, is a sexual offence because it is a deliberate move. I think matters of privacy and decency should be upheld at all times. This is a matter of public education and awareness. The Speaker mentioned some crowded places. We used to have the Kenya Bus Services (KBS) and people were allowed to stand in the buses. We have ferries where people stand and are congested. There are those that can be identified as deliberate move but there are others that may just be due to the small area in which people are standing. I believe the Mover should explain to us. There is also an opportunity during the Committee of the whole House to amend the law so that it does not become vague on what exactly is being moved here. Hon. Speaker, I want to support this Bill and call upon Members to support it. Gender violence through sexual offence is increasing. This is portraying Kenyans as people who are a bit indecent. I also recall some remarks about Africans that were made by one of the presidents of a leading nation. I support the Sexual Offence (Amendment) Bill. Thank you, Hon. Speaker."
}