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"id": 893542,
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"speaker_name": "Sen. Linturi",
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"speaker": {
"id": 69,
"legal_name": "Franklin Mithika Linturi",
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"content": "has attended; the positions that he has held in the National Police Service (NPS), and the critical docket that he holds today at the National Intelligence Service (NIS). He must, therefore, lead this institution, the NPS, by the bible. The bible in this case is none other than the Constitution of Kenya and the other relevant Statutes that have to guide him in the execution of his duty. He must always remember that his bosses are the Kenyan people. He is heading an institution that has had a myriad of problems. It is an institution that we have all been trying to reform over a long time. I thank God that, at least, some standards have been set. There is a foundation that is in place, which he has to build on. One of the key duties that he has to deal with is so clear under Article 244 of the Constitution, which states that:- “(c) comply with constitutional standards of human rights and fundamental freedoms;” The police have been accused before of all manner of things. All the vices in this country have been attributed to them. Almost every speaker has talked about corruption, because whenever a corruption index survey is carried out in this country, the police will always be there. However, I must thank the immediate former IG, because with all the problems that the police has, he has tried. When we go to our counties, we can see their response to matters of security. They are not to the expected levels that you would say they are very prompt but, at least in my view, they are doing well. However, they can do better. With his new energy, let him concentrate on ensuring that this is achieved. He must know that for him to succeed, teamwork is key. He must build confidence and he must motivate the police officers. Just as many other speakers have said, the welfare of police officers is critical. I am sure and I have always told many people and they laugh about it – and if I may make the statement in Kiswahili – ni kwamba polisi akihisi njaa,anauza bunduki – so, the idea of expecting to be guarded by a hungry policeman with a gun is misplaced. Therefore, I would like to inform the nominee that the welfare of the police officers is key. Let him do whatever it takes to ensure that, at least, the living conditions, salaries and allowances are dealt with. We want to see a vibrant and happy police service. When I say this, it is also directed to all Members of Parliament (MPs) who have an opportunity to be guarded by a police officer. When you go out to take dinner and wait to be driven home, ensure that you share a meal with the police officer and extend some good words; because they cover your back. Therefore, Mr. Mutyambai, you have huge a task ahead of you. I have no doubt that you will manage. We will give you the support you need, as Parliament. However, I also want to remind that you are working under a very political environment that will stress you up, because of different political interests. Be guided by the law. In the entire Constitution of Kenya, there are only two officers that can give direction to you; one of them is the Cabinet Secretary (CS) in charge of police services. He can only direct you on matters of policy, but he cannot direct you on who to open a file for or start an investigation or not. Stick to the law. The other one is the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) under Article 157(4) of the Constitution. Where you are directed to commence investigations, I ask you to look at what the Constitution provides for. 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."
}