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{
    "id": 759621,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/759621/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 197,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. (Rev.) Waqo",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13178,
        "legal_name": "Naomi Jilo Waqo",
        "slug": "naomi-jilo-waqo"
    },
    "content": "So, it is important for us to discuss these issues now and also tell our colleagues on the other side. Yes, when we decided to deal with the former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) team, they succeeded by demonstrating every Tuesday. A lot of destruction took place even at that time and, at the end of the day, they succeeded. As one of the legislators today, I think that is where we failed and we gave in. For this IEBC team, it is unfortunate that they are going through the same threat that their predecessors went through now. It is upon us to protect our institutions and also say that we want a peaceful Kenya. We need to respect the independence of IEBC and their autonomy. We must ensure that we respect each one of them and give them enough of our support. We also need to know that the IEBC members who were forced out of office have families and children who are going to school. As I watched what happened yesterday last night, I said if I have my family members there, what will be my reaction. Our colleagues on the other side need to know that they expect some votes even from some IEBC members. What they have done is destroying their own future. We have families that we need to take care of. When the Supreme Court nullified the presidential elections, they did not say that IEBC have done anything wrong. They said it is our system; they faulted the system. So, I do not see any reason why we should bring this city to a standstill just because we want to force out of office innocent people doing their daily work and who are obedient to Kenya and to their call. We also need to be concerned about the security of the IEBC Commissioners and staff, putting into consideration what happened before the elections and even after the 8th of August, 2017. There is a lot of fear and their lives are also in danger. So, my concern is beyond the individual members of staff and I think we should also give them a lot of security. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I am also concerned about this situation that we are in, because it has affected our businesses. Many of our business partners are not busy doing their work and investors are running away from our country. Our economy is hugely affected. If God has put us in this position, there is need for us to be concerned and see what we can do. It is of paramount importance to make sure that we provide all the necessary support to all the institutions. I am saying this because our colleagues are saying that there will be no elections; and they are saying this confidently. I am wondering what is"
}