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{
    "id": 782498,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/782498/?format=api",
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    "content": "the use of the flag. I have proposed in Clause 4B(i) of this Bill that we allow all Kenyans, and I will read it for the avoidance of doubt:- “Despite any other provisions of this Act, during a public holiday, a person may, as a sign of patriotism, display the national flag, at any private residence or any place of work or business, provided that the display of the National Flag does not undermine the authority or reputation of the State.” Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, there are other amendments in Clauses 2, 3, 5 and 6 to ensure that this Bill is in tandem with the Constitution through replacement of the word “Minister” with “Cabinet Secretary”. The sole intention of this Bill is to ensure that Kenyans fly their flag. Recently, a Committee on Evaluation was in the State of South Carolina. How beautiful it is to see people flying flags everywhere outside their residences and offices of Senators at Capitol Hill! If you go there, you will see a beautiful flag of the United States of America (USA) and that of the State. That should also happen in our offices and residences. Allow me to say this with tremendous respect. Kenyans embrace unity the day the Rugby Sevens team wins a trophy and you will see the Kenyan flag flying high. At that time, everybody remembers that there are no tribes but we are Kenyans. The day we win 10,000m or gold, silver and bronze in 3,000m steeplechase, the National Anthem is played and that is the day we remember that we are Kenyans. This has come at a time when we feel patriotic. I remember your speech during the Motion moved by Sen. Orengo, now the Senate Minority Leader, on the symbolism of the handshake. How much more would it be if Kenyans flew flags on the day the Right Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga shook hands with His Excellency President Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta? Provided that the limits and prohibitions found in this law are respected, I believe that the true symbol of national unity is the flag. The Constitution recognises the President as a symbol of national unity but I am afraid to say that presidential elections in this country have become a nuisance and theatre of the absurd. We should use every method possible to diminish the culture of tribes because, somehow, the presidency has become a tool that we quarrel and fight over. The President agreed to meet the former Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga and shook hands for the sake of building this nation and that is the true symbol of national unity. If they are to go round this country, they should have with them the preamble of the Constitution in mind which appreciates the diversity of this country. It states that every culture and every tribe in this Kenya is important; whether your tribe produces a president or will have one in 50 years. I know that you have presidential ambitions and that is a legitimate expectation. I found great history in the Bill that was moved by Tom Mboya, the then Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs and this is what he had to say at Page 2270 of the HANSARD. I will read for the record:- “I hope that those who have made enquiries to the Independence Celebrations Directorate and to Government from time to time about The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}