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{
    "id": 835609,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/835609/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 327,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Busia CWR, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. (Ms.) Florence Mutua",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 539,
        "legal_name": "Florence Mwikali Mutua",
        "slug": "florence-mwikali-mutua"
    },
    "content": "one way or the other, might have implications on fast decision-making when it comes to the road. We all remember when Hon. Michuki was in that docket and we had immediate sanity. Road rules were respected but upon his demise - may his soul rest in peace - the sector is in shambles to date. Of interest is that until this very minute, apart from a very lame condolence message from the Cabinet Secretary, Mr. Macharia, we have not heard any substantial statement from him. We have not heard any statement from the Inspector-General. Neither have we heard from the boss of the National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA). They are all quiet and people are out there mourning and wondering if we care about the Kenyans who died yesterday. We all understand that most of the accidents that happen out there are avoidable. Most of the accidents that happen out there are just because of unnecessary over speeding, impunity and general noncompliance of road safety rules by most drivers, lax and unbothered police officers who are out there for other intentions apart from Kenyans’ safety. We also have lax NTSA officers who knew the bus was not licensed. They come out the last minute after people have died to tell us that the bus did not have a licence. It is sad that official statistics indicate that we have lost 2,345 people on our roads. We should add the 55 people who died yesterday to this number of people who have died in road carnage in various parts of this country. Arising out of road accidents, many of our people are now disabled. Many children are orphaned. Many people are widowed and most require constant assistance. Most of them have lost their jobs because they cannot perform their normal duties. It is very sad that most of them have never been compensated arising out of these accidents. A good example are the victims of the current accident. Was the bus insured? Nobody knows. The information out there is that the bus was not insured. We do not know who is going to compensate the 55 people who have died and who will assist the families. Last week, we buried two young brothers who died in a similar bus accident two weeks ago. Who is going to compensate our people? Who is going to stop this road carnage because all we see is blame game from the CS to the Inspector-General and the NTSA. It is just going round in circles. Last week, I put a Question to the CS, Transport, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development asking why the regulations of 2018 which require commercial vehicles to have two drivers on board during long distances are not adhered to. We are still waiting for the answer. This is the more reason why Kenyans need to have a referendum to bring back the parliamentary system where we can have Members of Parliament appointed as ministers. Right now, we would be having the CS of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development answering us this afternoon. However, here we are. We have to put the Question and wait until when he feels like he can come to Parliament. As I end, we, as leaders, must stand up and fight for our people. We should ensure that the rules are adhered to. We have enough laws. About two weeks ago, I saw the President very angry with the maize cartels. He was very furious. Yesterday, I expected to see the President very furious about the incessant loss of lives from road carnage. We expect the Executive to have double anger on road carnage and start ensuring that heads are rolling as soon as possible. Kenyans are sad and angry. They are waiting for action. We need to know who is going to step aside because of what has happened over time as a result of road accidents. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker."
}