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{
"id": 836513,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/836513/?format=api",
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"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. Murkomen",
"speaker_title": "The Senate Majority Leader",
"speaker": {
"id": 440,
"legal_name": "Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen",
"slug": "kipchumba-murkomen"
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"content": " Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to support this very important Bill which is on care and protection of older members of society. First of all, we must acknowledge that we have a very progressive Constitution. A Constitution we gave ourselves in 2010 after a long, rigorous process which involved a lot of compromise, consultation and sacrifice by so many people who never even saw the Constitution pass, but nevertheless, did a lot of work to ensure that we have a Constitution. This Constitution is very progressive in the sense that I do not think you will ever find more than three constitutions in Africa that have an advanced Bill of Rights which takes care of young children, youth, persons with disabilities, marginalized groups and older members of society. This constitution has also very progressive provisions, first being sovereignty belongs to the people of Kenya. It is the people of Kenya that have declared in this Constitution that they gave themselves this Constitution. This Constitution was not given by politicians, it was not given by leaders but it was given by the people of Kenya. In fact, I get shocked that the debate we have in this country is just about what does the Constitution say about political leaders, but less about the vulnerable like persons with disabilities, youth, marginalized groups, older members of society and children. All these people have been identified by the Constitution as vulnerable groups. Article 1 of the Constitution insists that the sovereignty belongs to the people of Kenya and be exercised according to this Constitution. You will also get progressive provisions in Article 10 which captures values and principles of this Constitution that includes patriotism, national unity, sharing and devolution of power, the rule of law, democracy and participation of the people. When we say participation of the people, it includes as provided for in Article 57 of the Constitution, includes also older people. This Constitution also captures very clearly the need, as a value and principles of governance in this country; human dignity, equity, social justice, inclusiveness, equality, human rights, non-discrimination and protection of the marginalized. This very important Bill is founded on that very solid foundation. Article 10 of the Constitution already provides for the values that must be achieved in so far as every sector of the society is concerned, including the older members. Mr. Speaker, Sir, as we interrogate this Bill, we should always ask ourselves is: To what extent does it ensure that the dignity and equity of the old people is achieved? What does it say about social justice and inclusiveness? What do we do in this Bill that will ensure that we have enhanced participation, consultation and the views of the old people? 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."
}