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"content": "Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, Sen. Mwaura spoke about what divides us. We cannot move away from that history without addressing it, because that will also give us a sense of unity. What divides us is not unknown; it is very clear and very well known. These are issues of historical injustices and inequalities, for example, even in the job market. All these issues that divide Kenyans have to be put on the table and discussed. In as much as we are part and parcel of various parties and coalitions, we need to put this issue on the table, discuss it and the solutions shall be found. When we talk about inequality, it is not a characteristic that is unique to Kenya; all countries have issues of inequalities, including the developed ones. If you look at British history, you will find that they talk about their inequalities, for example, between the middle and the higher classes. For example, the findings in the educational field found that most of the working class in the United Kingdom (UK) will not go to university, even when they have a chance to do that; but the middle class will proceed to university. This is a big educational discourse that they have been discussing for the last ten years. They put it on the table and discussed it as an issue, and nobody asked: “Which coalition or party are you coming from?” or “why are you discussing it this way?” It is an issue and it will remain an issue and for as long as it is not solved, it will not bring the unity that we seek so much in this country. We need to get to a point where we can have our leadership put the issues on the table and discuss them substantially. The other amendment in this Bill at Clause 5 and 6 is just to change the terminology, for instance, from “Minister,” which was used at that time, to replace it with “Cabinet Secretary.” This is very important so that it can actually be contextualised. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, as I wind up, I just want to encourage that even as we try to get to the level where we can identify with the flag, we have to be very careful that we do not get to the levels of disrespecting it, because that will be very dangerous. This is the sort of thinking that made people get a little bit worried, for example, when we were talking about the national dress. Supposing, in the national dress, somebody starts with a green colour on top and then with a black colour at the bottom, what will that mean? Or, for example, if we put the flag upside down while handling it, what will that mean and what will the penalty for that be? The flag is a symbol which holds us together as a country and we respect it. So, even as we cascade downwards to try to bring it to the level where any Kenyan can access it with the values of patriotism that it brings, it remains very important that the respect for the flag is upheld. This is because any Kenyan identifies with the Kenyan flag and is proud to be a member of this country because through it, we feel that we are Kenyans and we are in the right place. The flag also creates the hope that is so desired in this country. Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I beg to support."
}