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{
    "id": 904390,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/904390/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 129,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Pareno",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13180,
        "legal_name": "Judith Ramaita Pareno",
        "slug": "judith-ramaita-pareno"
    },
    "content": "run, throw stones and that is it. Such utterances are so bad that stern action should have been taken. As the Senate, we should ensure that this Commission really works towards a more coordinated effort. This Bill seeks to bring more teeth and force. It seeks to allocate, not necessarily resources, but give more strength for this Commission to perform. I wish that at that particular time, we will see the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) coming so strongly to deter such utterances that can bring friction among ourselves. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the functions of the Commission have clearly been provided for under Clause 6 of the Bill which provides that the functions of the commission are to- (a) formulate and implement strategies, plans and programmes for promotion of national unity; (b) collaborate with institutions and stakeholders to give effect to the policies relating to cohesion and integration; (d) identify factors inhibiting the attainment of harmonious relations among social origins and put in place measures to address this problem. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, a little bit of teeth has been given to this Commission. Clause 7 indicates that the Bill will provide for powers of the Commission which will include the right- (a) issue prohibition notices, directing persons or entities involved in actions or conduct contrary to national cohesion, integration and peace building, and give notices within seven days for such persons to cease from such utterances or actions; (b) summon witness and call for the production of books, plans and other documents and to examine witnesses and parties on oath; (c) publish names of persons or institutions whose words or conduct may undermine or may have undermined or contributed towards undermining good ethnic relations or who are involved in ethnic discriminations or propaganda of ethnic hatred. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, we have always kept saying that in this country, in this age and era, we should not just be naming and shaming these persons or institutions. There should be more. We should see more prosecutions. Of course, not in the manner that we saw some time back when one utterance is made by one political divide, the other political divide is included just to balance the persons arrested. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, it should be on evidence from witness. I hope that with this provision, the Commission will perform its duties in a better manner than what we have seen before. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I wish we could, at the end of the day, have more provisions that can give more teeth and not just give notices to cease or summon witnesses but will not have the powers to prosecute. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I also submit that in Clause 8, this Bill provides that even though we have the headquarters in Nairobi for the Commission, we should provide for branches throughout the country. This will monitor issues on cohesion, integration and peace building at all times. We cannot afford conflicts or see what we saw the other day in Matungu Constituency or what is happening in Marsabit right now. 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."
}