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{
"id": 876557,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/876557/?format=api",
"text_counter": 25,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. Murkomen",
"speaker_title": "The Senate Majority Leader",
"speaker": {
"id": 440,
"legal_name": "Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen",
"slug": "kipchumba-murkomen"
},
"content": "Up to now, only the initial works has started and nothing was done from the day it was paid until when it commenced. It is the same situation for the Northern Collector Tunnel Project, which is a contract sum of Ksh6 billion, out of which Ksh1.36 billion was paid as advance payment. The same is true for Kigoro Water Treatment works, Rowan Water Treatment Pipeline in Thika Dam, Kigoro; and Bosto Dam Project. Mr. Speaker, Sir, even in these other projects, no works have commenced; and in some cases, it took two to three years to commence the work. Similar or even higher amounts have been paid, yet none has attracted the kind of criticism and attack from the DCI or the media like Arror and Kimwarer projects. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I suspect that this might be a case of giving the dog a bad name so that you can kill it. Is someone building a case for termination of the Kimwarer and Arror projects? Why have Arror and Kimwarer projects attracted this kind of treatment, yet the above stated projects underwent similar processes? Why have criminal investigations – this is a critical question – been commenced on a commercial contract, which has its obligations spelled out in the law and contract, even before the agreed timelines have lapsed or are close to lapsing? How is this scandal warranting negative attack and publicity? Why is it that every step of investigation is shared with the media, including social media? Is it a plan to ensure that financiers pull out of these very important projects in my county? In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, Sir, this is a crucial project for Elgeyo Marakwet, Kerio Valley and the country at large. We thank the Italian Government for extending this kind of support. We believe that the project will play a critical role in putting to an end some of the vices, including the cattle rustling menace in Kerio Valley region. Mr. Speaker, Sir, this project can neither be delayed nor postponed because it is critical and urgent. If there are any reasons to investigate impropriety, we urge that these should not be used as an excuse to undermine the project. We also demand, as people and leadership of Elgeyo-Marakwet County, equal treatment in the investigation of all projects in all sectors, and in all counties. I opine that the falsehoods being peddled are meant to whip up public emotions and to give excuses to some cartels to terminate the project. There is an African proverb that says, “When a hyena wants to eat its children, it first accuses them of smelling like goats.” Right now, a hyena wants to eat the goats of Elgeyo-Marakwet County. As the father of the county, I cannot allow the negative and selective characterization of development projects in my county. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I urge the DCI that before he embarks on any investigation of this nature, they should engage experts with the necessary knowledge of these type of contracts and how such projects are implemented. It is unfortunate that the project is being weaponised as a tool for the 2022 political fights. It saddens me when I see the labeling of Kenyan citizens, based on their ethnic identity, as corrupt; and the massive operation being mounted against one individual’s political ambitions. The kind of fight that is being mounted on this individual is causing collateral damage, not only in one region, but even on the entire economy of the Republic. I urge every servant of this great Republic to desist from using public office and resources to fight political wars. Politics should be done politically by politicians, and such other The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}