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{
    "id": 755213,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/755213/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 38,
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    "speaker_name": "",
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    "content": "In this regard, I urge all political leaders to avoid engaging in divisive and destructive politics that have no place in a modern Kenya. On my part I know that my most serious obligation is to sustain and protect the peace and security of all our people without exception. We are now headed into a fresh presidential election that our electoral commission has scheduled for the 17th October, 2017. The Kenyan people will again affirm their choice of who they want to serve as their President. Let me say that this is not a choice between two individuals. Most importantly, it is the transfer of the people’s sovereign will to an office that is the symbol of national unity, that protects our security and is key to delivering development and prosperity. Kenyans will line up again on 17th of October, 2017. The marks that millions of voters will make on the ballot paper will represent far more than the desires of politicians. As Kenyans did on 8th August, 2017, they will vote for different candidates. However, almost every single man and woman in Kenya will be using the vote to seek the same things; a better livelihood, access to good healthcare, a more promising future for their children, decent jobs for all those willing to work and security for all. It must be understood that marked ballots represent more than technology, more than computer systems or even where papers were printed. The mark is the choice of a sovereign people. Their choice is sacred and must never again be frustrated or ignored. Hon. Members, as we move forward during this momentous time, you, as newly elected leaders, must firmly take up your place in the governing of this great nation. Your promises to the electorate were turned into a solemn oath last week in which you swore, to bear true faith and allegiance to the people and the Republic of Kenya and that you would obey, respect, uphold, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the Republic of Kenya; and that you would faithfully and conscientiously discharge the duties of a Member of Parliament. Hon. Members, in the coming days, you will be called upon to be true to that oath; I urge you to do your duty. It is the same oath that I made when I became President and Commander-in-Chief. Kenyans expect us to understand the weight of responsibility in living up to our oath and having wisdom and clarity as we carry out our duties. It is, indeed, no accident that the first two Articles of the Constitution declare that the sovereignty of the people is exercised through their elected representatives and that Parliament represents the diversity of the nation. These words represent the hard sacrifices and hopes of generations of Kenyans who fought to earn the right to govern themselves and to freely choose their representatives. That history places a profound responsibility on the Members of this House to “protect this Constitution and promote the democratic governance of the Republic.” Hon. Members, the separation of powers of the three arms of Government is a critical constitutional principle in protecting the liberty of the people. However, given the complexity of the public issues, the three arms of Government as well as constitutional commissions have to handle; they must work together willingly even as they respect each other’s functional independence."
}