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"content": "members of EALA so that we also get to know what they understand about the East Africa Community; its ideals, vision and mission. Therefore, as we vote, we make an informed decision after knowing these people and understanding what they are up to so that they do not go there and represent ideals that we do not approve of. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I want to laud the President who, during his swearing in speech, indicated that we are moving into ensuring that we have proper integration where if you want to move from one country to another, what you need is just an identity card (ID). That is the way to go so that we create more avenues and we ensure we interact both economically and politically. There are so many issues even as we talk. For example, in Tanzania, there are allegations that the government there is auctioning chicks and also cows. There are also some boundary disputes, like the one of Migingo Island. So, we want to ensure that when these people are elected, they can go, sit down and ensure that they represent the interest of the country. They should also bring that harmonious neighbourliness so that we move forward as a country and as a region. As Senators, we will conduct due diligence to ensure that we get the right people for the job. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I know because of time constraints and since we are also going for recess, we have agreed on the date when the elections will be done. But in future, we need to create a forum so that we get the position. However, going forward, we must agree in unison that we should have direct voting so that as we go for the general elections to elect Members of the Senate and the National Assembly, we also have them being voted for. This will ensure we get the right people. Finally, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, as we make this decision of sending these great people to EALA and in as much as I thank the Select Committee that worked on it for the meticulous and very good job that they did, I know there are various people who will be supported by various leaning coalitions. I hope that as we elect these representatives, let us blend them. Let us have young people, people living with disabilities as well as the old people being elected so that we get that Solomonic wisdom in the process. Let us have all shades even from the various religions so that as we go there, we can represent the face of Kenya that is a mosaic, but has a unifying factor as a nation and which can promote our ideals and unique culture that we represent in East Africa. It is very important as make that choice to blend them and have everybody on board so that when they go there and make decisions, they have the whole picture, they understand issues and they can comprehend what is expected of them. When we elect the right people, we will stop these issues of having inter-country boundary conflicts or frosty relationships among the countries that are members of East Africa. If we do that, we will allow the EALA to meet its mandate. On my part, I have gone through the list but fortunately or unfortunately, I do not have any member from my county. So, I might be the swing vote. With those few remarks, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to support. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir."
}