Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 818274,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/818274/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 73,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Ijara, PDR",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Sophia Noor",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 375,
        "legal_name": "Sophia Abdi Noor",
        "slug": "sophia-noor"
    },
    "content": " Hon. Speaker, I am seeking a Statement regarding the mishandling of the Holy Quran by a teacher. Pursuant to Standing Order No. 43, I rise to make a Statement regarding an incident that took place at Junior Academy in Masalani, a private school in Ijara Constituency, Garissa County. On Tuesday, 24th July 2018 at 11.00 a.m., a primary school teacher by the name Christopher Joseph Mwaniki, snatched the Holy Quran from a student, tossed it to the ground and stepped on it in the presence of the students, teachers and a parent. The said teacher has lived among the community since 2015 and has been an employee of the private school. This act outraged the residents of Ijara Constituency, leading to a peaceful demonstration that was held in the constituency. The public outcry was also experienced not only in Garissa County, but also in Wajir, Mandera as well as many religious organisations as a result of this evil act that was aimed at provoking religious animosity amongst the peace loving citizens. This act not only goes against what the Constitution stands for in Article 32, but offends the Islamic religion and I believe it offends Christian faith, tolerance and respect for other people’s faith. It also offends the very social fabric of our great nation. If this matter is not addressed effectively, it might create religious animosity which we cannot afford as a country. I, therefore, call upon the necessary Government institution to take punitive action against the said teacher, which will serve as a warning to such disgraceful behaviour from other teachers and individuals. I also take this opportunity to thank the residents of Ijara and, more importantly, the religious leaders who encouraged residents not to take law into their hands despite being outraged. I also take this chance to commend the non-local residents of Ijara who equally were outraged by this insensitive, barbaric and primitive action. They serve as an example of solidarity and national unity in a community that has cultural practices. Thank you, Hon. Speaker."
}