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{
    "id": 980253,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/980253/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 171,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Orengo",
    "speaker_title": "The Senate Minority Leader",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 129,
        "legal_name": "Aggrey James Orengo",
        "slug": "james-orengo"
    },
    "content": "which are allocated to counties can only be done by the approval of the Senate. Therefore, this is a matter that calls for prompt action. For whatever reason, the national Treasury may withhold funds if they are justified. It should not be used as a tool of punishing innocent Kenyans who toil day and night looking after the lives of other Kenyans who may be in distress. Although this is a matter which we are making a Statement under the appropriate Standing Order, I think the new CS for the Ministry of Health probably should be called to this House to account and give us his consideration of this matter. He should also give assurances that he will not interfere with funds particularly going to the health sector. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, you may try to set up commissions. I support having a Health Service Commission, just like we supported the issue of having the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). However, if they do not comply with the law or if what they are doing is causing further suffering of the people, then the Senate will be in order, within its powers and authority, to call for sanctions or actions to be taken against those responsible. Mr. Speaker, Sir, Sen. Khaniri has come up with a Statement which does not just relate to Vihiga County. That problem is being experienced countrywide. Since health and agriculture are the two very important sectors that are devolved to the county governments, it may be a way of interfering with the creation and establishment of the counties, as a level of governance. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, this is a matter that, if it is not addressed, then the people may, for the wrong reasons, try to ascribe this matter to the governors and the county governments, saying that they are the ones responsible when it is indeed the national Treasury that is holding funds. The national Treasury should also look at themselves in the mirror. If they cannot collect sufficient revenue, which means that the economy is not expanding, they should tell us why the economy is not expanding. That is something within their docket. They are saying we are so much in debt that we are probably living beyond our means. An explanation should similarly be given. However, under no circumstances should innocent people be made to suffer, particularly when they are taxpayers and they are vulnerable. Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir."
}