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    "id": 812717,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/812717/?format=api",
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    "content": "lack of what we can do. We must not be seen to be depriving people who have put their lives to the fore or people who have actually committed to the development of a better Kenya just because of the prevailing political circumstances. I do not know whether Sen. Olekina will still bring the Bill, now that both sides of the political divide have closed the gap. You can see from that, people are having a sober debate and that is a contribution; you are able to forfeit your political ambitions and demands for the sake of this country. How better can we serve this country if we cannot reward or take care of those who fight for us? Kenya is very well known of forgetting its heroes and heroines. People who fought for the liberation of this country have lived in abject poverty. Those who get into power would want to laugh and feel more powerful when they see their nemesis or competitors suffering in the streets. So, when you are placed between the raw power on the post or the rule of the jungle and the marauding masses in the village that come to you every morning and all of a sudden you do not have, how do you survive? How do you survive as a retiring politician when you have given all your life to public good and yet you have no investments? You had even forfeited your monies to ensure that Kenyans benefit. Where does that live you? No wonder, when we are competing for political positions, it looks like a matter of life and death because if you get it, you survive. In fact, I remember one former parliamentarian told me: “There are only three things that happen when you are running for public office – you either win, fair enough, die or become poor.” That is the fate of individuals who commit themselves to public service. Madam Temporary Speaker, this Bill does not call for extravagant life after retirement where you live in opulence. That is not and should not be the case. It is just a way of ensuring that you facilitate the life of individuals who have committed to the public good; basically, having a house allowance or a small stipend or having one or two drivers and cooks. It is easy. Unfortunately, we have created our society in such a manner that you are used to other people doing everything for you, including opening the door for you and all of a sudden you are alone. Let me tell you: When people lose power - as I was saying yesterday - phone calls do not come through and those who are supposed to work around you have no time for you. You have lost your value; you are no longer as worthy. You need people to help you and at least to keep you going. That is the point. So, it is not a big cost for this country. I do not believe that we are going to have as many retiring Deputy Presidents and Prime Ministers in future. Obviously, these people who may come up every five to ten years unless we change our system. Madam Temporary Speaker, this is a culture that will ensure that somebody’s security is guaranteed after they have served the country, hence someone will serve selflessly. However, the moment you serve knowing very well that you are going to live in abject poverty, is the reason we are seeing the primitive accumulation of wealth and the open theft of our public coffers. I would like to say without fear of doubt that there is a nexus between lack of retirement packages and corruption. This is because the election campaign financing is tasking and involving. Further, we must not encourage this idea where politics does not empower the people; what I call ‘poverty producing politics.’ We must have a paradigm 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."
}