Hon. Senators, I have a Communication to make concerning the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). The CPA which was established in 1948 brings together 187 legislatures from 53 member countries of the Commonwealth. The principal objectives of the CPA include the alleviation of poverty and the promotion of- (a) just and honest governments and the separation of powers among the three branches of government, (b) fundamental human rights; (c) international peace and order; (d) global economic development; (e) the rule of law; (f) equal rights and representation for all citizens of both genders; and (g) the right to participate in free and democratic political processes. Hon. Senators, to achieve these objectives, the CPA organizes forums and invites parliamentarians, parliamentary staff and experts in various fields to identify and deliberate on good practices and new policy options which legislatures could adopt and/or advocate for in their respective countries’ governance practices. The Association is organized in branches at national level, and each branch of the Association is autonomous, raises its own finances and pays an annual subscription to the CPA headquarters. Hon. Senators, Kenya is one of the CPA branches and as per the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Kenya Branch Rules adopted by the Executive Committee on 14th July, 2014, the CPA – Kenya Branch is now required to conduct an Annual General Meeting to, among other things, decide on any questions that may have been proposed 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

Hon. Senators, Following the reading of the highlights of the 2018/2019 National Budget by the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury on Thursday, 14th June, 2018, the Senate has scheduled a breakfast conversation on the 2018/2019 National Budget. Hon. Senators, the topics to be covered during the meeting include: (1) A county perspective on the Budget: revenue generation, budget management and control, and attracting investment; (2) The Budget’s objectives and expected impact on women, youth, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups; and (3) Some highlights on tax measures and their impact on investment and revenue collection. As Hon. Senators will observe, these topics are at the centre of the Senate’s role in protecting the counties, the interest of the counties and their governments. Hon. Senators, this is to invite all Senators to the breakfast meeting. Breakfast will be served in the Main Restaurant, New Wing, Parliament Building and the meeting will take place in the Senate Chamber, on Wednesday, 20th June, 2018 from 7.30 a.m. I encourage all Senators to take note and plan to attend. Kindly confirm your participation with the Office of the Clerk of the Senate for planning purposes. I thank you. DEMISE OF SEN. BEN OLUOCH OKELLO, SENATOR FOR MIGORI COUNTY

Hon. Senators, it is with a deep sense of sorrow that I, early this morning, learnt about the passing on of Sen. Ben Oluoch Okello, Senator for Migori County. Sen. Oluoch was born in 1966 in Rongo, Migori County. The late Sen. Oluoch was educated at Kanyimach Primary school and proceeded to Taranganya Secondary School. He then trained at the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC) in 1984 and proceeded to the University of Nairobi where he obtained a Diploma in Supply and Marketing in 2003, a Bachelor of Arts in Radio Broadcasting in 2013 and was currently awaiting graduation for his Masters in Arts. Hon. Senators, Sen. Oluoch made his maiden Speech on 26th September, 2017 where his dedication and commitment to his County and its people was abundantly clear. In part of his maiden speech, he said: 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

Hon. Senators, thank you; you may be seated. 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

Mr. Speaker, Sir, thank you for giving me this opportunity to join you in condoling the family of Sen. Ben Oluoch Okello. On behalf of my family and persons with disabilities in this nation, I say sorry to the family and friends of Sen. Okello. I also pass my condolences to the people of entire Migori County for losing a person who had a passion to serve them. He had a vision for them. It is sad that the cruel hand of death had to take a toll on him at this particular time when he had a vision for his people. I hope that God will give a replacement that is going to ensure that the vision of the Senator is passed on so that his legacy is seen. I empathize with Hellen, Ruth and the children of the late Senator because there is a big gap that has been left by the Senator. I am sure that the Senate will intervene so that the children and the family are helped because there is a big gap that has been left. Mr. Speaker, Sir, this is a Senator who was committed and had a vision. He had even enrolled for his Masters Degree. It is so unfortunate that he was fully-fledged. He was marked for leadership but it had to go the way God wanted. Death is very painful. However, when it happens, there is nothing that we can do. We just have to accept what God has allowed. God has given us life, but it is painful when he decides to take it away. We have to accept the painful result of death. We cannot meet our maker without going through the cruel hand of death. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I fully join you in condoling his family and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party that gave him the ticket to contest the elective position in the Senate. Going for an elective position in Migori County was not an easy task, but he braved his way and managed to garner a lot of votes. May God rest his soul in peace.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I stand to convey my personal condolences, those of the people of Nyeri County and the entire country. I received quite a number of messages this morning when I conveyed my condolences through KamemeFM . To me, that signified that we are one. Our late brother passed on because of cancer complications. In this House, we lead the people of this country. In fact, we are the shepherds of the people of this country and we are supposed to take care of them. Cancer today is a major killer in this country. It has taken away our brother and many others. We are talking of our brother and there could be many others out there suffering from it, but we do not know them. As we mourn our brother today, we are being told that some people have imported sugar with elements of mercury and copper. These are two metallic elements that are actually very poisonous to the human body. It is time this nation reckoned with itself, knelt down and asked God what is wrong with it? We should pray to God to save our souls because none of us is safe. Yesterday, I was told about a case by a friend who went to Mombasa Road and he came across people repackaging expired drugs in a godown. He alerted the people he 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

Hon. Senator, be brief in your eulogy so that other members may get a chance to mourn our brother.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, please give me two more minutes. It is a pity that children are consuming that kind of poison. As we mourn our brother, I ask the Almighty God to keep his soul in eternal peace. We pray for the family and ask God to take care of them as He took care of David and blessed him with another son when his son passed on.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, thank you for the opportunity. Indeed, it is with a very heavy heart that I rise to join you and my colleagues who have spoken earlier in condoling the family of our departed brother, Sen. Ben Oluoch Okello. It is so sad that Sen. Okello has gone too soon. He has died a young man and very early in his term in office as the Senator for Migori County. On behalf of my family, the people of the great Vihiga County and myself, pole to the family of the departed colleague, the people of Migori County and the Senate fraternity. I assure the family and the people of Migori County that, I and, we indeed, as the Senate, will stand with them during this difficult time of mourning their loved one. Personally, I never got the opportunity to know our colleague very well because we all know soon after we were sworn in, he was taken ill and hospitalized. Therefore, we never had much time to interact with him. However, we knew him from his days at

as a very vibrant radio presenter and very innovative young man. The people of Migori County had very high expectations in their leader telling from his maiden speech. I think he also had a passion to serve them. I know they will miss his service, but we wish them well. Sen. Okello represented Migori County people and part of them originated from Vihiga County. These are the people of Kanyamkago and Bware. Pole sana to them. May God rest his soul in eternal peace till we meet again. Fair thee well our dear colleague.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I also join the House and the Speaker in expressing our sense of loss and sorrow of one of us. It is a shock in the sense that Sen. Okello did not serve even a substantial fraction of his tenure because within few days when he was elected, he began to feel unwell. He comes from a County which is very dynamic and almost cosmopolitan. It has nearly every representation of the face of Kenya where many communities live. Be it people from that part of the world that you find a lot of business opportunity and also people from across the borders. So, he was a leader in a very dynamic county; and he had 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

Order, Senate Minority Leader. You are mixing the languages.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, that was an excerpt. Thank you for your correction. I also know that the House plans to go there tomorrow. I hope that has been relayed because I came a little late. I am also appealing to Members to appear there because that will send a good signal in terms of what is happening to the country. Finally, our departed brother had been taken to India several times. At this stage of our development, we should be able to deal with what he was taken to India for. Whenever we travel we see so many Kenyans boarding planes to Southern India, New Delhi and Mumbai to seek medical treatment. Considering the kind of doctors that we have in this country, who are probably as good as any that we can get and the institutions that we have, it is time to seriously think about developing capacities in medical institutions that can take care of our people. As we say this, we now hear about grand corruption in the Ministry of Health worth about Kshs8 billion. Such an amount of money can be distributed to each county to 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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. It is sad and gloomy in this Chamber because we feel the loss of our departed friend and colleague, Sen. Ben Oluoch. When I was a Minister in the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology (ICT), we shared with him the broadcasting and media space. He had made a name in that particular sphere. We then met here briefly, he was taken ill and now we have lost him. On my own behalf and that of the people of West Pokot County, I convey my earnest condolences to the family and friends of our departed friend; the people of Migori County and the neighbouring areas whom he served, and also the whole of Kenya. This is because his voice was heard all over the country and will be missed greatly. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I do not need to belabour the point that cancer has become the biggest killer in this country. As a House, we must go after and pursue it. As my friends that have spoken ahead of me have said, we have the ability to make our medical service better for ourselves and also for the future generations. We have lost a potential leader who would probably have been a game changer in the way things are done in his county, since people voted for him. We have lost him and we just ask that we may unite to bring comfort to the family and to the people of Migori County. We assure them that this House stands united in that promise. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I particularly want to thank you in the way that you have coordinated for us to help with whatever was needed. You have been at the forefront in dealing with this family at this time of their loss. We thank the rest of the Members, particularly those who managed to show up today. I hope that our plans to go to Migori County will be met and that we will come together again. It is a great loss to the Senate. As we say, God rest his soul in eternal peace and give us his grace. Thank you.

Let us have Sen. Kwamboka.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I join my colleagues in condoling with the family of the late Sen. Okello. It is a sad day, especially to my party leader the Right hon. Raila Odinga and to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) fraternity. On behalf of the Nairobi City County and as the Secretary General of the ODM Party, we say

and we are together with the people of Migori County. 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

Let us have Sen. Kinyua.

Asante sana, Bw. Spika. Nataka kujumuika na wenzangu kutuma risala zangu za rambirambi kwa familia ya Sen. Okello pamoja na watu wa Kaunti ya Migori. Yeye ni mtu ambaye alikuwa amechaguliwa pale na aliyejitolea kuwafanyia wananchi kazi. Tutaungana na watu wa Kaunti ya Migori na kushirikiana nao wakati huu mgumu. Hili ni pigo kubwa sana. Hili linapaswa kuwa funzo kwetu kuhusu huu ugonjwa wa saratani. Ugonjwa huu umekuwa changamoto na kizungumkuti kwa kuwa kila wakati unawaangamiza Wakenya. Baada ya miaka 50 ya Uhuru, bado tuko pale pale kana kwamba tunachechemea. Wakenya wengi wanasafiri kutafuta matibabu katika nchi za Ulaya, India na pahali pengine wakitafuta tiba ya huo ugonjwa. Hata wakati huu tunapoomboleza mwendaa zake, Sen. Okello, linapaswa liwe funzo kwetu viongozi na Serikalli. Tuseme ya kwamba yeye awe kama funzo kwetu ili Wakenya waache kupoteza maisha yao. Hii ni kwa sababu pesa nyingi zinatumika watu wakijaribu kupigana na ugonjwa huu. Ninajua ya kwamba yuko mwenzangu pale katika Bunge la Taifa ambaye ameleta mswada wakusema kuwa saratani ifanywe janga la kitaifa. Mimi nina kubaliana naye mia kwa mia ili tuweze kujikakamua. Nina imani ya kwamba tukifanya namna hiyo Kenya itakuwa nchi nzuri ya kuishi. Naungana na watu wa Kaunti ya Migori kuleta risala zangu na za watu wa Kaunti ya Laikipia. Tutaungana na familia hiyo na watu wa Kaunti ya Migori leo na mpaka wakati wamwisho wa kumpumzisha mwenda zake, Sen. Okello.AsanteBw. Spika.

Let us have Sen. Malala.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for giving me this opportunity to express my heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Sen. Okello. It was with profound sorrow that I learnt of the demise of my colleague. I must state here that we are in a sad moment. A dark cloud of gloom is hanging precariously above this House. We have lost a great man and legislator. We ask God to comfort the family in these stormy times, provide shelter and comfort them. Let us all pray for the family for the loss of Sen. Okello. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I have personally lost a father figure. When I came to this House, I saw my colleague, Sen. Okello, as a friend and a father figure. I remember him being a news anchor in the Ramogi FM. One of his programmes was giving Bibles every morning to his listeners. This is evident enough that he is resting in Heaven. I am certain of that because of his mannerisms. My colleagues have addressed the issue of cancer being the menace that is consuming our population in Kenya. As a House, we need to come up with measures to curb the ever spreading menace. We need to come up with solutions such as establishing cancer centres in all our counties. We are the defenders of counties and we need to defend the populations that live there. I would be very grateful if this House adopts a policy whereby every county will be mandated to come up with a cancer centre. 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

Whatever that means, I hope you are not abusing Members. Let us have Sen. (Rev.) Waqo.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for allowing me to stand and condole with the family of Sen. Okello. I send my condolences to the family and the great people of Migori County. It is a sad day for us, as Senators. I have personally not interacted much with the Senator. However, from what I have heard and the fact that he was one of us, I feel for the family and pray that God at this time will comfort them and provide for their needs. It is less than one year since the people of Migori County elected Sen. Okello. Unfortunately, because of this cancer issue in Kenya, we have lost him. I am sure that during the last one year, he must have gone through so many things and suffered in many ways. The family, friends and many of us, as Senators, may have shared the pain with him. At this particular time, the family needs us. It is such a time as this that the family waits for friends and others to come and tell them about their beloved one because he is no longer with them. Now that we are there, just as we did this morning, let us make sure that we stand with the family, especially the widows, and also give them the hope that they have in God. The Bible says that God’s timing is always the best. He has not given much of his talents and dreams to his people, but God will raise another leader who will take his dream ahead. I join other Senators in saying that the problem of cancer is a real issue. It is taking a toll on both the young and old. It is high time we critically thought about the whole issue so that we can save generations to come. I do not want to talk about the current challenges with sugar and other things, but as leaders, we have the opportunity to save this situation and to save Kenya. We have an opportunity to stand and think of how best we can help those people who are already suffering from cancer. I am sure every one of us knows at least one person in every village who is suffering from cancer. Let us stand up and support them. Let us see how best we can help those who are already suffering and see how we can minimize the problem. Those who are already suffering from cancer go through a lot of pain. Some of them have no money. As we send our condolences and stand with the family, let us also think of the larger number of Kenyans, especially women. Just about four days ago, I read somewhere that women suffer most. Let us see how best we can help our society. May the Lord comfort the family. Thank you.

Proceed, Sen. Omogeni Erick Okong’o.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. Let me also join my colleagues in registering my condolences to the family of the late Sen. Ben Oluoch Okello, and to the people of Migori County. I was privileged to have served in the Committee on Health together with Sen. Ben Oluoch Okello. One of his last duties as a Senator was when he 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

Proceed, Sen. Kimani Wamatangi.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I also join my colleagues this afternoon in condoling our colleague, my friend and a friend to all of us; the late Sen. Ben Okello. I remember when we got elected after the elections, during the time when we were all getting acquainted with the procedures of Parliament while filling in the forms out here, I had my first opportunity to meet the late Senator. As most of my colleagues have said, it was evident that the late Sen. Ben Oluoch Okello was a man of composure. He was collected, cool and confident. I remember having an exchange with him just before I got to know which county he was representing. When he told me that he was elected in Migori County, I reflected and remembered that he had to battle during the election campaigns with a formidable 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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for giving me this opportunity to join my colleagues in paying tribute to the late Sen. Ben Okello, the Senator for Migori County. On my own behalf and my family, I sincerely wish the family of the late Senator, God’s protection and comfort during this trying moment that they are going through as they mourn Sen. Okello. The first time I interacted with Sen. Okello was in the Standing Committee on Health and the Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries. He was a Member of the two Committees. He was a great Senator who contributed a lot in the two Committees. To me, this is really a touching moment. When I went to the hospital to see him, I was a bit low because he was in a touching state. I felt so touched, especially seeing members of his family. As a believer, I thought he would come out of that state. However, it was the wish of God to take him 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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for giving me this opportunity to express condolences on my own behalf, my family and the people of Baringo County to the family of our late colleague, Sen. Okello, especially to Hellen and Ruth. I also did not have an opportunity to interact with him much, except for one or two occasions when we had some serious conversations. I found him a very eloquent, intelligent and a decent human being. At this time, our hearts go out to his family. I would like to tell them that our prayers and thoughts are with them. I would also like to thank the Speaker and your secretariat for the job that you have done to ease the burden for the family of the late Sen. Okello. May the Lord rest his soul in eternal peace.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for allowing me to join you and the rest of the Senate in giving our condolences to the family of the late Sen. Okello. I had an interaction with the late Senator. It is sad that, at this moment, we are calling him the late when just the other day, he was with us and was so full of life. In fact, I was just looking at the empty chair where he used to sit and we will really miss him. I interacted with the late Sen. Okello when he applied to become a candidate for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party for the senatorial seat of Migori County. Out of the 11 candidates who contested for the seat during our party’s primaries, he emerged the winner. Among these 11 candidates were prominent lawyers and other people of substance in the society. Despite all that, he turned out to be the best among the best. I condole with the people of Migori County for having lost a person they loved most. I also condole with my party, ODM, for this loss of this Senator. In that race of those 11 candidates during the ODM party primaries, Sen. Okello garnered more than 64,000 votes. The runners up garnered not more than 30,000 votes. That tells you how popular he was and how much he was loved. I know the people of Migori County will miss him just as much as my party, ODM, the Senate and his colleagues. We have lost a dedicated leader and servant to this nation. We have lost a very humble and respectful man, a father, a son and a husband. May his soul rest in eternal peace. I pray for God’s love to his family. We stand by them at this trying moment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I equally take this opportunity to send my condolences to the family and friends as well as the constituents of the late Sen. Okello. Unfortunately, for most of us, we did not have adequate time to fraternise and get to know much about the late Sen. Okello. However, from what we have heard from those who knew and interacted with him, he was a great, focused and very balanced man. It is unfortunate that we have lost him to a devastating disease called cancer that has claimed so many Kenyans so far. I hope that God will give our scientists, researchers and experts knowledge and wisdom, and reveal to them the scientific solution to this 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

Yes, Sen. Wako.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, on behalf of myself, my family and the people of Busia, I send my sincere condolences to the family of Sen. Ben Oluoch Okello. I did not know the late Senator well or if at all. I did not listen to Radio Ramogi, but when he came to this House, he used to sit there. As it is my normal habit, I do not take too much interest in those people who talk a lot in the House, but in those who are a bit quiet. On a number of occasions when we were barely five people in this House - everybody had gone out - the quiet Senator for Migori would be seated there. I would go chat with him, go out and when I came in again, I would chat with him. Therefore, I can confidently say that precious in the sight of God are the deaths of the saints.

I did some research on him because of his quiet nature and I discovered how popular he was in South Nyanza. I am aware that he has left a very young family, with very many children who are still going to school. He has passed on at the age of 52 years. Therefore, it is for us to stand firm in solidarity with his family in a meaningful way. I am glad that the Parliamentary Service Commission has tried its best on the issue of medical expenses. However, that family will need a lot of assistance. The young children will need a lot of assistance if they are to realise the potential that their father wanted them to have. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, there have been contributions on the issue of Cancer, which is now everywhere. In fact, we hear more about Cancer than the HIV/AIDS that we used to hear about. Most people pass away today because of Cancer. The time has now come for us to deal with this menace of Cancer. One way of dealing with this menace is to have Cancer centres in every county, so that we can have early detection of the disease. If some cancers are diagnosed early enough, they can be treated and that is the way to go. It could be a challenge to our Committee on Health to see how that can be achieved, so that we move from rhetoric to action on it. To the family of the late Sen. Ben Oluoch Okello, please, accept our condolences. We pray to the Almighty God to give you strength during this time of sorrow. We also pray to the Almighty God to continue showering you with blessings. May the soul of our late colleague rest in eternal peace. Thank you.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Thank you, Sen. Wako. Sen. (Dr.) Milgo.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, on my own behalf, my family and the people of Bomet County, I take this opportunity to condole with the family of our dear 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

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Yes, Sen. Wetangula.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, thank you for giving me a minute to also condole the family of our late brother, colleague and friend, Sen. Ben Oluoch. On my own behalf, my family, the people of Bungoma County and the fraternity of Ford Kenya Party, I wish to send my sincere condolences to the family of Sen. Ben Oluoch. The Senate of the Republic of Kenya records Sen. Ben Oluoch as the fourth colleague to lose while in session, after the late Sen. Mutula Kilonzo, Sen. Boy Juma Boy and the late Sen. Otieno Kajwang. We will definitely and surely miss Sen. Ben Oluoch for his unassuming character, humble demeanour and friendly disposition towards every colleague. He has not had enough time to make an indelible mark on the footprints of this Senate, but the few times he spoke here or interacted with us at individual levels, he displayed a flair of intelligence, commitment and patriotism that is not common in many of us. We have lost Ben Oluoch because of what has publicly been said to be cancer and I join those who have contributed ahead of me to call for a concerted effort not only to arrest the scourge of cancer but all other diseases in the country that kill people in every direction. Malaria, dysentery and diarhoea are resurging back yet these are preventable diseases but they are now killing Kenyans in their thousands. We would like to see our health sector revamped and run in a manner that is better than it is currently being done with all manner of allegations about misconduct and professional misbehaviour to the extent that medics are stealing from the dead. May the good Lord rest Ben Oluoch’s soul in eternal peace.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I would like to join my colleagues, on behalf of myself, my family and the people of Tana River County that I represent, to send my sincere condolences to the family of the late Ben Oluoch who passed away. 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

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Order Senator, the late Ben Okello never sat next to you. Maybe he sat near you but not next to you. You have to be factual.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, he did not sit next to me but on my extreme right from the entrance.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Very extreme on the opposite side.

Therefore, I condole with the family.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, it is a sad day. Allow me to join you and the entire House to convey my condolences to the family, friends, the people of Migori and particularly the people of the little village of Kanyimach where Ben Oluoch Okello was born and brought up. Between Migori and Homa Bay, there is very little distinction besides the borders that have been imposed because in Migori, people of Kadem and Karungu do not marry the people of Ndhiwa straddle two counties. I feel like I have lost a fellow leader but more importantly I have lost a friend. Sen. Wetangula has already spoken to it but the chair I sit on was where the late Otieno Kajwang’ sat and the chair that Sen. (Prof.) Ongeri sits on is where the late Boy Juma Boy used to sit. Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Snr. left just before the other two. So, this is the fourth loss of a Member of this important House. It does not mean that Members of the Senate are immune to death because we are Kenyans just like anybody else.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Order Senator, I am just worried about the chairs and where Senators are sitting. You could send the wrong messages home.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I had no intentions of scaring Sen. (Prof.) Ongeri.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Sen. (Prof.) Ongeri might want to change. Proceed Senator.

We believe that God’s time and plan is the best. So, irrespective of where we sit, we still hold dear our colleagues who have gone before us. I knew the late Ben Oluoch Okello more than many Senators here because we have been friends for quite some time. Those who listened to the Luo Language and Radio Ramogi would definitely know Ben Oluoch Okello. He hosted a show that started at 6.00 a.m. and ran all the way to 10.00 a.m. every day. The power of vernacular radio is unparalleled. In this country, if you want to send a strong political message, you do it on vernacular radio. The timing of that show made sure that fishermen, as they came back from their nightly duties, would tune in. It made sure that those who were ploughing in the fields would tune in their radios as they did their work. It made sure that women going to the market for the day would also tune in. So, he was a great influencer but it is unfortunate that that prowess and the skills were never displayed adequately here. They say that when you get an opportunity to do good things, do them while you are still alive. Every morning, the late Ben Oluoch Okello had a Bible trivia as part of his show where he would ask questions about certain verses and personalities in the Bible 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

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Thank you Sen. M. Kajwang'. Next is Sen. Mwangi.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, for giving me this chance to express my condolences, alongside other Senators, to the family of the late Ben Okello and the people of Migori. It is unfortunate that we have lost a great Senator. Cancer has become a killer disease and it is the only known quick killer in this country and across the globe. Having lost a Senator, we want to send a message to the Government that we should have adequate cancer centres in the country. We have so many people who are dying of cancer. We have taken so many people to India to be treated for cancer and they have ultimately died. We should take it upon ourselves to impress upon the Government of the need to build cancer centresso that we can reduce deaths of useful Kenyans like the Senator for Migori County. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, we have a problem of this sugar that has been brought to the country and it has been identified as having mercury. It is well known that mercury is 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

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, for giving me an opportunity to condole my friend, Senator Okello. I first met Sen. Okello at the Serena Hotel with his beautiful wife and we shared a cup of coffee immediately after we were both declared winners in the General Election. I found him to be a very intelligent and interesting person who was determined to work for the great people of Migori. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the late Sen. Okello fought a brave and strong battle against cancer but he lost. This is a lesson that we all have to learn. I believe we invest 20 percent of our national budget in healthcare. The biggest question to ask is this: Do we even have a Cancer Research Fund in this country yet cancer is now undoubtedly the number one killer? Cancer is consuming our population and if we had the Cancer Research Fund, how much of it would we invest in early detection? How much of it would we invest in better treatment of cancer around our country? Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the death of our colleague gives us an opportunity to interrogate this epidemic. I remember reading in history that way back in the 1800s when there was an epidemic of cholera, people in the United States and the United Kingdom went back to look at the way they lived without genetically modified food. That is the question we ought to ask ourselves. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, we now have data of food that can help prevent cancer. Our markets are now open and anyone is free to bring in any food. There are known pesticides that cause cancer but we are so gullible that we are welcoming so much and we do not take precautions. The high statistics of the people who are being killed by cancer is mostly caused by negligence by our Kenya Bureau of Standards authorities (KeBS).When you hear that counterfeitgoods are being sold in the market, most of the people who end up suffering are in the rural areas. They cannot afford to be screened for the early detection of cancer. It behooves us now to interrogate and maybe move a Motion in this House that will force the Ministry of Health to set up a Cancer Research Fund from which funds will be set aside to educate our public on how they can detect cancer and embark on early treatment. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, many Kenyans travel to India and other countries for cancer treatment yet we have Level Five hospitals here locally. We have hospitals here where people from Southern Sudan, Rwanda, Uganda and other neighbouring countries go to be treated, because they believe that our hospitals are the best. But we, as Kenyans, 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

Thank you Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, for giving me the opportunity to condole the family. On my own behalf, that of my family and those of the people of Wajir County, I wish to convey my condolences to the family of Sen. Okello. Sen. Okello was a very strong man. When he came to the House, those of us who were not close to 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

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Thank you, Senator. Sen. Boy.

Ahsante sana, Bw. Naibu Spika. Ninakushukuru kwa kupata fursa hii siku ya leo kuungana na Maseneta wenzangu kuomboleza kifo cha Seneta mwenzetu, Sen. Okello. Siku ya leo ni siku ya huzuni sana. Mheshimiwa Oliech alikuwa ni Seneta mwenzetu ambaye---

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Order Senator! Ni Sen. Oluoch Okello.

Sen. Oluoch Okello.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Ndio, na sio Oliech.

Ahsante sana, Bw. Naibu Spika. Alikuwa ni Seneta mwenzetu ambaye nilionana naye wakati tulipokuwa tukiapishwa humu ndani na tukawa tumekaribiana sana. Lakini kama inavyosemwa, Mwenyezi Mungu ndiye mwenye uwezo. Mwenzetu alipigana na haya maradhi ya cancer sana, lakini Mwenyezi Mungu naye pia alichukua kiumbe chake kwa wakati huo. Kwa hivyo, kwa niaba yangu, niaba ya familia yangu na watu wa kaunti ya Kwale, natuma risala za rambirambi kwa familia ya Bw. Seneta mwenda zake, Sen. Okello.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Ahsante sana. Sen. Omanga.

Ahsante sana Bw. Naibu Spika kwa kunipa fursa hii kuungana na wenzangu kumuomboleza mwenzetu aliyetuaga, Sen. Okello. Mara ya mwisho kupatana na Seneta mwenzangu, Sen. Okello, ilikuwa wakati alipokuwa akinihoji kwenye radio alipokuwa anatangaza. “Alinipumbuaza” kwa ustadhi wake wa utangazaji kule kwenye radio Ramogi. Kweli tumempoteza Mkenya---

On a point of order Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): What is it Sen. Faki?

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(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Order Senator, start now.

Jambo la nidhamu, Bw. Naibu Spika. Mwenzangu amesema kwamba, Seneta marehemu, Sen. Okello, “alimupumbuaza”. Sijui hiyo “kupumbuaza” ni lugha gani.

Bw. Naibu Spika, ninamaanisha ya kwamba alinishangaza kwa ustadhi wake wa utangazaji.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Is that okay Sen. Faki?

It is okay.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Do not discourage Sen. Omanga. If you consider the distance between where she comes from and where Kiswahili was born, she has tried.

Bw. Naibu wa Spika, tumempoteza mwenzetu kutokana na saratani ya koo. Ameugua ugonjwa huu kwa muda. Nilipokuwa mchanga tukiwa shuleni, tulifahamishwa kwamba vyuo vikuu vilikuwa na mafunzo ya uchunguzi wa magonjwa ya zinaa kama ukimwi. Hata hivyo, kwa sasa tuna ugonjwa wa saratani na vyuo vyetu vikuu havijaanzisha “malabaratori” kama hayo ambayo yalianzishwa wakati …

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Order! Ni maabara.

On a point of information Deputy Speaker?

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Proceed.

Asante, Bw. Naibu wa Spika, jina mwafaka la Kiswahili ni maabara, si malabaratori.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Endelea na mchango wako, Sen. Omanga. Kumbuka, huna budi kuendelea na lugha hiyo mpaka mwisho kwa sababu huwezi kubadilisha lugha katikati ya mchango wako.

Asante, Bw. Naibu wa Spika, ninaomba unilinde---

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Endelea Seneta.

Bw. Naibu wa Spika, ni vizuri tuanzishe maabara ya kutafiti ugonjwa huu wa saratani katika vyuo vyetu vikuu. Ugonjwa huu umeenea sana nchini Kenya. Ningependa kuiombea familia ya mwendazake faraja wakati huu wa majonzi.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): You have really tried Sen. Omanga, despite coming from near the burial ground of that language.

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Sen. Orengo, what is out of order?

Mr. Speaker, you said that the gracious lady Senator comes from near the burial ground of the Swahili Language and not from the burial ground. So, is it getting closer to me?

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(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Order! You are at par with the distinguished Senator in terms of geographical proximity. However, Sen. Orengo, you know the old anecdote about where Kiswahili was born, where it was raised, where it fell ill and where it was buried all the way from Zanzibar to Congo. So, if Sen Millicent Omanga is closer to Congo than to Zanzibar, definitely you cannot escape that categorization. Maybe you are suspecting that the burial ground is in Siaya, it is not. It is further afield in Lubumbashi and Kinshasa. Let us now have Sen. Ongeri.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Thank you, Sen. (Prof.) Ongeri, for those remarks. I gave you a little more time than the others because of your experience and expertise, and it was not in vain. This is because you have assisted the Chair to understand the connection between mercury and sugar. We were not getting the connection between the contraband sugar and the presence of mercury. We hope that the relevant Committees are taking up some of these national issues.The information that we have is that Senate Committees are doing a wonderful job. So, we hope that some of these issues will be taken up by Committees, even without a Motion, to allow us continue discharging our duties well. Senators, we have a few more colleagues who need to talk. I request that we stick to the condolences. Looking at the time, I request each one to take a maximum of five minutes, so that all of us can talk on this critical issue about the loss of our colleague. That said, let us have Sen. Were.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, for the opportunity to condole with the family of our colleague, Sen. Ben Oluoch Okello. The last few weeks have been difficult for the late Sen. Okello and his family. I would like to thank the Speaker, the Clerk, and colleagues from both sides of the House for having stood by him and his family, as they went through his illness. I would like to pass my condolence to Ms. Hellen, Ms. Ruth and the children. All I can tell them is that it is well. Having said that, I would like to point out that Cancer now needs to be looked at more carefully and with concerted efforts. There was a time in this country when Tuberculosis (TB) was killing people the way Cancer is doing now. There were concerted efforts from the Government and international agencies on how to deal with this matter. I think we have reached that point where Cancer is a concern and we need to declare war on it. The death of Sen. Oluoch shows us that we are not special and any different from other Kenyans who have been attacked by this disease. So, we need to take the disease more seriously. Above all, I would also like to appeal to the Senators - we are only 67 – that we need to fraternize and understand each other more, so that when a colleague is going through a problem, we can assist early enough. We all know that the higher you go – not the cooler it becomes – but the lonelier it becomes. So, I would like us to reach out, in whichever form, and fraternize more with each other. We could arrest some of these things early. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, thank you for the opportunity to pass my condolences.

Asante, Bw. Naibu Spika, kwa kunipa nafasi hii ili nitoe rambirambi zangu kwa familia ya mwenda zake, haswa kwa mjane, watoto, jamii yote ya Kaunti ya Migori, marafiki na watu wote wa Nyanza kwa jumla. Nilimwona Sen. Ben Oluoch wiki tatu zilizopita akiwa kwa hali mbaya lakini tulitumaini kwamba ndugu yetu atarudi katika Bunge la Seneti aweze kutusaidia kwa 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

(Sen.(Prof.) Kindiki): Sen. Madzayo, I will add you one more minute.

Asante Bw. Naibu Spika. Ninafuraha ukiwa kwenye kiti kwa sababu utanipa nafasi nyingine. Kama vile Waziri Matiang’I alisema, sukari haramu ina mercury. Nimeona watu kutoka Kaunti moja ya Kisii wakisema wameletewa sukari bali hii sio sukari peke yake. Sukari hii ilingia katika Port ya Mombasa na imeuzwa Busia na kila mahali. Inawezwa kuwa iko Kilifi pia. Kwa nini wanabiashara kama wale wanaharibu maisha ya Wakenya wote bila kujali kwa sababu wanapata pesa kupitia uuzaji wa sukari ambayo wameleta kwa njia ya nyuma? Mahakama inafaa iwachukuliwe hatua wale wote wanashtakiwa kwa makosa kama hayo. Tunataka Waziri Matiang’I afanye bidii ili watu hawa washikwe na wapelekwe kortini, wachukuliwe mkondo wa sheria na hatimaye wafungwe.

(Sen.(Prof.) Kindiki): Asante, Sen. Madzayo. Sen. Cherargei, you are next and you are on the wrong side of the isle. 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

Asante Bw. Naibu Spika kwa kunipa fursa hii kuomboleza na familia, ndugu, marafiki, wakaazi na wapiga kura wa Migori, Spika wa Seneti pamoja na Maseneta wote wa Jamhuri ya Kenya kutokana n akifo cha mwenzetu, Mheshimiwa, Sen. Ben Oluoch Okello. Sen. Ben Oluoch alikuwa ni Seneta wa mara ya kwanza kama mimi na wengine ambao tuko hapa na kwa hivyo, kifo chake ni pigo kwetu pamoja na Seneti nzima ya Jamhuri ya Kenya. Bw. Naibu Spika, nilimjua Sen. Ben Okello wakati tulipoingia mara ya kwanza katika Bunge la Seneti mnamo mwezi wa sita, mwaka wa elfu mbili na kumi na saba. Kwa kauli, alikuwa ni mtu mkimya lakini mwenye tajiriba kubwa kama mwanahabari na msimamizi wa show ya Ramogi Radio ambayo iko katika kundi la redio za kienyeji katika nchi yetu ya Kenya. kifo chake kinatukumbusha kwamba ugonjwa wa saratani umekuwa ni adui mkubwa katika Jamhuri yetu ya Kenya. Mawazo yangu yako na wanaougua ugonjwa huu na hawana huwezo wa kupata matibabu kama aliyoyapata mwendazake, Sen. Ben Okello Oluoch. Mawazo yangu pia yako katika familia ambazo zinauguza wagonjwa wa saratani katika hali tofauti tofauti, iwapo ni saratani ya koo, ya titi, ya tumbo na mengineo ambayo yanaathiri Wakenya kwa jumla. Hivyo basi, iko haja ya Serikali kuweka mikakati ya kuhakikisha kwamba tunakinga magonjwa ya saratani kuliko kutibu kwa sababu tumeona kwamba kuyatibu ni ghali na Wakenya wengi hawapati fursa ya kupata matibabu ya kisasa ambayo yata hakikisha kwamba ugonjwa huu unaangamizwa. Inabidi Serikali itoe mikakati ya kuhakikisha kwamba tunalindwa na kujikinga na saratani kuliko ilivyo sasa. Kwa mfano, moja ya kinga ya saratani ni kufanya mazoezi ya mara kwa mara na kuhakikisha mwili unapata mazoezi. Hili ni jambo moja ambalo Serikali inaweza kufanya ili kuhakikisha kwamba watu wanahimizwa kufanya mazoezi ya mwili ili kujikinga na saratani. Habari zilikoko katika vyombo vya habari ni kwamba ile sukari ambayo iliingizwa katika nchi ya Kenya imepatikana na viini vya saratani. Ni lazima Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services (KEPHIS) ambayo inachunguza bidhaa zote zinazoingia katika nchi ya Kenya iwe macho kuhakikisha kwamba hatuingizi vyakula ambavyo vitakuja dhuru afya za Wakenya. Hii ni kama kujipa sumu, iwapo shirika kama hili halitafanya kazi yake kuhakikisha kwamba chakula kinachoingia katika nchi ya Kenya ni salama kwa matumizi ya binadamu na hata mifugo watakaokila. Bw. Spika, mpira uko katika mikono ya Serikali kuhakikisha kwamba ina linda maisha ya Wakenya na kwamba, chakula kinacholiwa ni safi kwa mwanadamu na Wanyama. Vilevile, ihakikishe kwamba Wakenya tunapata huduma sawa sawa za afya ili magonjwa kama haya yasiwe donda ndugu katika nchi yetu. Tunapo omboleza na ndugu zetu wa Kaunti ya Migori na wengineo ambao wameathirika na maradhi ya saratani, ni jukumu letu kama Wabunge kusaidia Serikali kuweka mikakati ya kutosha ili kuhakikisha kwamba Wakenya wako salama kutokana na magonjwa kama hayo. 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

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Asante sana, Sen. Faki. Let us have Sen. Cherargei.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, for this opportunity. On my own behalf, that of my family and the people of Nandi County, I join my colleagues in passing our deepest condolences and sympathies to the family of our brother Sen. Okello. I knew Sen. Okello when there was a very tense moment in this country, especially after the nullified Presidential elections. We happened to have been invited on the same show at the Kenya Television Network (KTN). Despite our political differences, I saw a leader and somebody who was mature and magnanimous. This was despite the fact that there was a lot of tension in the country over the general elections and the country was yet to begin the healing process that we are in today. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, cancer has claimed many lives in this country whereas, universal healthcare is one of the President’s Big Four Agenda. The Government has proposed that every county should be given a cancer screening centre. Everyone in Kenya, not only leaders, should always create time to ensure that we have thorough check ups. This is because a healthy nation is a wealthy nation. When we have a nation whose citizenry is not in good health, it will not assist us to create wealth. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I join my colleagues and request that all us of give a befitting send off to our colleague. I thank the people of Migori County because when I saw them speaking today on the media, they felt that it was very unfortunate that they did not have the opportunity to be served by their Senator during his tenure in leadership. I learnt from them that he was a man who was always accessible. It is a challenge to us as leaders that we should always be accessible so that we can understand the challenges and problems that citizens face at any given time.We wish the family well. We are praying for them, our thoughts are with them and we will stand with them. We want to request - some of my colleagues have mentioned it - that we should also ensure the family is sustained. We know that cancer consumes a lot of resources and I can assure you that the family is suffering financially. As a Senate, we must find a way to help. I have seen a Member of the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC), the Senator for Vihiga County, Sen. Khaniri here. Together, we should ensure that the family is well catered for as we lay our departed colleague to rest. Thank you.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Let us have Sen. Wambua.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. On my own behalf, that of my family and the people of Kitui County, I also pass my very sincere condolences to the family, friends, relatives and constituents of our departed brother, the Senator for Migori County, Sen. Okello. A few months ago in December, both the Senate and National Assembly set aside time to mourn the passing on of my brother hon. Nyenze whom we lost through cancer. A few months later, another Member of Parliament for Baringo South Constituency in the Rift valley, lost her life through cancer. We are mourning the death of our colleague today, at a time that this country is awash with very sad news of unscrupulous business 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

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Proceed, Sen. Kang’ata.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, for granting me this opportunity to condole the family of Sen. Ben Oluoch Okello, the Senator for Migori County who has departed us. The Senator was a very good friend of mine. He was among the very few Senators who used to attend this Chamber during the time when the National Super Alliance (NASA) was “resisting”. He would come and make cogent contribution. People were so happy about him. He came out as a very eloquent person who had a lot of passion for the people of Migori County. To that extent, I convey my condolences to his family. Secondly, it is time now we, as a country invested a lot of resources in health care. This country has about 10,000 registered doctors in a population of about 48 million. According to various United Nations statistics models, we require about a minimum of 80,000 doctors so that we reach the recommended doctor-patient ratio in this country. We are yet to reach that stage. First, we are not opening more medical schools. The last time I checked, I may be wrong, we only had University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Moi University and Maseno University teaching medicine. We need as a matter of policy to come up with a framework where among all the 70 and above public universities that we currently have, to have a medical school so that we churn out as many doctors as possible. Those doctors will give primary health care. 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

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Sen. Kang’ata, you have one minute to conclude.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. Why is it that medical personnel are not being paid on time like in my county? We need to motivate our medical personnel to ensure our health sector is one of the best in this region. That is the only way we can ensure the death of Sen. Okello is not in vain.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): May the soul of our brother and colleague, Sen. Ben Oluoch Okello rest in peace. Next Order!

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Hon. Senators, I hereby report to the Senate that a Petition has been submitted through the Clerk by Mr. David G. Njau on behalf of ex-Kenya Air Force officers. As you are aware under Article 119 (1) of the Constitution and I quote:- “Every person has a right to petition Parliament to consider any matter within its authority, including to enact, amend or repeal any legislation.” 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

Asante, Bw. Naibu Spika, kwa kunipa nafasi hii. Ni jambo la kusikitisha sana katika Jamhuri yetu ya Kenya, hususan wakati huu ambapo watu wamefanya ‘handshake’ na kuna uwiano mwema ya kwamba kuwe na amani na uchumi wetu upande juu ili watu wapate manufaa ya maisha bora. Bw. Naibu Spika, kitu cha kwanza ni kumshika Mkenya mwenye kosa na kumweka ndani ya korokoro aidha akiwa ni askari au raia. Wakenya wote ama watu wa nchi yoyote tunajua kwamba lazima sheria ifuate mkondo wake. Kwanza nataka kuwapaa kongole maafisa wa jeshi waliokuwa wakitetea nchi yetu na tumeona kuwa wengi wao wamekufa wakiitetea nchi yetu ya Kenya. Ni jambo la aibu hivi sasa kukumbuka yaliyotendeka wakati huo. Wanajeshi walishikwa, wakatupwa ndani ya korokoro na wakateswa zaidi. Hatimaye walipotolewa, wakafutwa kazi. Sasa, utapata kwamba mtu anaadhibiwa mara mbili; kwanza anatolewa jeshini na kuwekwa ndani. Kitu cha pili, anapoteza kazi yake. Bw. Naibu Spika, ni jambo la kusikitisha kwa mtu kupoteza kazi yake, kwa sababu ni kukaribisha umaskini ndani ya nyumba. Vile vile, ni jambo la kisikitisha kwamba baada yao kwenda kortini kutafuta haki zao, tumeona kwamba haki haitendwi na Serikali. Wamepata orders kortini iliyoamrisha Serikali iwajibike na kuwalipa. Hata 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

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Sio agizo la korti; ni agizo la mahakama.

Ndio; kutii agizo la mahakama. Bw. Naibu Spika, nakushukuru kwa kunikosoa. Ijapokuwa ulizaliwa kule Milimani, lakini naona Kiswahili kidogo---

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Order, Sen. Madazayo!

Asante, Bw. Naibu Spika. Kama nilivyokuwa nikisema hapo awali, ni lazima Serikali yetu ijukumike ili kuhakikisha kwamba malipo haya yamefanyika. Lakini bado uchunguzi utafanywa na kamati yetu, ikiwa itawezekana, na waje na recommendations, lakini mimi nayaangalia mambo haya kama jaji katika mahakama ya wafanyi kazi. Ni jambo la kisikitisha katika Kenya hivi leo, tukiona ya kwamba Serikali yenyewe ndiyo inachukua mkondo wa kwanza kukataa kutii amri ya korti. Asante, Bw. Naibu Spika.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Thank you, Sen. Madzayo. People are born in health facilities not in mountains and valleys. You, therefore, almost lost the track, but you have redeemed yourself. Senators, the rate of interest is high and I have already communicated the constraints of time we have. I will, therefore, give the rest of the speakers a maximum of three minutes each and I will start with the Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Orengo.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I will be very brief. Thank you for giving me this opportunity. After hearing Sen. Madzayo, who was a judge in our judicial system, one cannot really say more. However, I wanted to emphasise that our constitutional democracy is based on certain foundational values, and one of them is the rule of law. Article 10 of the Constitution is very clear on this particular national foundational value and principle of governance in accordance with the Constitution. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, it is becoming a worrying trend in the law enforcement system in the courts in the Judiciary that orders are made which are not obeyed. The Government should be the first to not only promote the rule of law by advocating it, but 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

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Thank you, Senate Minority Leader. Proceed, Sen. Pareno. You strictly have three minutes.

Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. This Petition clearly shows us how much impunity we have in this country. It is sad that the impunity starts from the Government of the day itself. I am just wondering; if this impunity is there from the Government, how will the Government then ensure that citizens will listen to it or will do what is right? It is no wonder we have the kind of corruption that we have in this country. It is because the people do what they do; they loot this country almost to its knees and they do not worry because there is nothing that can happen to them. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, these petitioners believe in this Senate and they are coming to us as a last resort. They have gone to the Ombudsman and they have written letters to the Attorney-General. Where is the Attorney-General of this country, who should guide the Government on what to do when it comes to court orders? He is a lawyer and, probably, a pastor; because he even started with pastoring. There are lawyers who should advise this Government. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, this Petition clearly shows that they have been heard by courts of law, their allegations have been found true, they have been awarded for the damages suffered; and it is only execution that cannot be done against the government. Shame on this Government that disobeys its own people! Shame that we cannot even obey court orders! 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

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Order, Sen. Kang’ata!

Handshake!

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Order! I did not say talk. I have not seen anybody shaking hands in this Chamber and therefore, whatever you are calling handshake must be contextualised to this business. Senators, I will only allow two more contributions because we also have another Petition. Since, Sen. Pareno asked, ‘where is the Attorney-General?” the Attorney- General is in town, but we have a former Attorney-General in this House. Sen. Wako, Where Is the Attorney-General?

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Attorney-General (AG) Emeritus is here. The AG Emeritus can speak with authority on this matter. If I may explain, previously the problem was that there were no allocations for payments of court awards. Whenever one got the judgement you then write to the Ministry concerned and then the Ministry would write to the Treasury to pay out of the Contingency Fund. Nonetheless, during my tenure, we informed the accounting officers that they must make some sort of approximation or budgetary item on payment of court decrees. I issued a circular to that effect because we are a country ruled by the rule of law, which demands that we obey the law. The first institution to show an example of obeying the law is the Government of the day. The Government demonstrates that it adheres to the rule of law by obeying court orders. Therefore, it happened, but after that, the award became bigger, astronomical, more than it was expected and then we went back to square one. What I noticed from this particular Petition is that they took no legal action after obtaining the Certificate of Order against the Government. One of the most effective ways of getting payment after obtaining the Certificate of Order against the Government- --

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Order, Sen. Madzayo and company!

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the most effective way is to apply for an Order of Mandumus, which will now say to the Accounting Officer: “Pursuant to the Certificate of Order against the Government, you must now direct the Accounting Officer to pay”. That now becomes an order of the court to the Accounting Officer, specifically to pay. If the Accounting Officer does not obey that order from the court, issued pursuant to Order of Mandumus, the Accounting Officer—

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Time has arrested you, Sen. Wako. One minute added. 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

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, you then apply for mandumus that you must either pay or be arrested. Normally, when the Accounting Officer gets that order of either pay or is arrested, he goes to Treasury and pleads and money is paid. I would advise these people who have petitioned that they can do many other things. Nevertheless, let them go to the firm of the Deputy Leader of Majority who said this morning that she still has a law firm. Maybe she can go there and file the applications of mandumus, to execute the order of ‘pay or arrest’ and then I can get commission.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Order, Senator! Are you touting for business? Sen. Madzayo, what is it?

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. The Attorney- General Emeritus knowing very well there are quite a number of lawyers including the Leader of Minority, myself and the rest---.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Order! Order! I am the Chair.

Of course, and the Chair who is basically a law professor. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, is he in order to start soliciting for jobs for his friends? Unfortunately, the Senator who is the Majority Leader happens to be a very close friend of AG Emeritus .

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Sen. Wako, are you in order?

He is not my friend. He is my enemy because he sits opposite me.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Order, Sen. Wako! Are there enemies in this Chamber? Is it in order to declare a Senator an enemy?

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, it may be a bit lose but we oppose each other.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): He is your opponent.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, he is my opponent and not my friend. That was really with a light touch. What I was really saying is that, they can go to an advocate; in fact, there are advocates who can immediately apply for an Order of Mandumus . Since they have the certificate of order against the Government, let him apply for Mandumus . I am quite sure that if that Accounting Officer gets that order, he will go and plead and sleep at Treasury until he gets the money to pay.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Order! Okay, Sen. Wako. Since, you are a senior counsel I will let you get away with that. Otherwise, I would have been very hard on you. Since, you should not start advising Kenyans where to get legal services. You cannot use the Senate airtime to market a law firm or any other business for that matter. Order, Senators! We are constrained by time. I will allow Sen. Olekina two minutes and then we end it there. We have another Petition coming; we will also have observations in the next Petition.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, this is the right place for this Petition to be brought. Today my sentiments are going to be completely unorthodox. They are going to be different from what I stand for. I sympathise with the Government. Many at times, courts issue orders but we know that this government operates in a very strict budget. Therefore, I put myself in the shoes of the Principal Secretary who has been ordered to make payment by a court yet he does not have a line item in the budget. 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

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): You have one minute.

In conclusion, the Committee that will be tasked to look into this should come up with a recommendation that mandates Parliament to allocate money that will be used to pay these people because it is a lot of money. When you go to Mombasa you will find people who have not been paid and when you go to Narok, you will find farmers who have not been paid. The Attorney-General should come up with a list of Kenyans who ought to be paid but they have never been paid and present to this Parliament for them to be paid. I thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir.

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Hon. Senators, pursuant to Standing Order No.226(1), the Petition should be committed to the relevant standing committee for its consideration. In this case, I direct that the Petition be committed to the Standing Committee on Security, Defence and Foreign Relations. In terms of Standing Order No.226(2), the Committee is required, in not more than 60 days from the time of reading the prayer, to respond the petitioner by way of a report addressed to the petitioner and laid on the Table of this Senate. I thank you. There is another petition by Sen. Cherargei. PROTECTION OF ABASUBA LANGUAGE, CULTURE AND HERITAGE

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I have received a Petition from the Abasuba Community from western Kenya concerning the historical human rights violation. I have just known that Sen. M. Kajwang' is a Suba. I will read it. 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

(Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki): Order Senator, that is not your business. Proceed Senator.

I take note of the change of Chair. (8) That the Press Release of April 2018 by the KICD is likely to accelerate the disappearance of the Basuba Language and the Suba way of life; (9) That we have made the best efforts to have these matters addressed by the relevant authorities all of which have failed to give a satisfactory response; and, (10) That none of these issues raised in this Petition is pending in any court of law, constitutional or any other legal body. Your humble petitioners pray that the Senate investigates this matter and makes appropriate recommendations thereon with a view to:- 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

Hon. Senators, pursuant to Standing Order No.225, I shall now allow comments, observations or clarifications in relation to the petition for not more than 30 minutes. 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

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker, for allowing me this opportunity to air my views concerning the petition. I want to commend the petitioners through Sen. Cherargei who has brought in a very valid petition. I stand here as a linguist. It is really unfortunate if a minority language can just diminish like that. As a Senate, we have a duty to preserve even the small minority ethnic groups in terms of language. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, language has a number of roles to play. The roles that languages play are even enshrined in the Constitution. When you look at Article 33 of the Constitution, it states clearly that every person has a right to express himself, seek information and get clarification. If the Abasuba are not able to express themselves, how will people really know what they are going through? It is a constitutional right that the Abasuba should be able to express themselves. The Abasuba Community is watching and they are looking upon the Senate to ensure that their language does not diminish or become extinct. Sen. Cherargei has said clearly that it is important for the KICD to intervene and ensure that materials are published in the Abasuba Language. If a dominant language decides to swallow a smaller language, that is very bad even for the next generation. Even as we talk about the KICD publishing materials, they should join hands with linguists and language specialists in order to come up with materials that will ensure that the Abasuba Language is not extinct. Madam Temporary Speaker, Article 11 of the Constitution affirms that culture is very important. Culture is expressed through language. Language will explain what a culture is all about. Culture is a way of life; a way of doing things and it is expressed through language. This petition is very important and therefore, we cannot just take it for granted. It is used to identify people.

Sen. (Dr.) Musuruve, your time is up.

Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, I rise to support this petition of the Abasuba People. It is called historical human rights violations, but I would rather term it as the rights of the minorities because the Abasuba are a minority within the Luo Community and minorities have rights everywhere. Although they have quoted Article 44(1) which is the correct article, they should also have referred to Article 56 of the Constitution which talks about minorities and marginalized groups; this would have helped fortify their petition. Article 56(b) talks about the minority groups having their cultural values, languages and practices protected. Kenya has ratified the International Covenant on civil and political rights, which also recognizes the rights of minorities to have their languages protected. When I was a member of the Human Rights Committee of the UN, the Minority Leader of the Gypsies brought a case before us and we ruled in their favour because most of the countries in Europe were trying to marginalize them and make sure that they learn the dominant language be it English or French, and yet they wanted to communicate in their own language. 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

Your time is up. I now call upon Sen. Moses Kajwang. You have three minutes.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker. There is no one who is more Suba in his House than I am. My mother is a Suba from Lianda in Eastern Rusinga while my father’s mother is a Suba from KuoloWaware which is at the centre of Rusinga. Who are the Abasuba? These are people who moved from Uganda and Tanzania due to a variety of factors. The first group called the Abakunta ran away from Uganda following the death of Kabaka Junju. There was a feud between two brothers; Kabaka Junju and Semakokiro. Semakokiro was the rightful heir to the throne, but Junju laid claim to the throne. There was a fight and a man called Kiboe – who was a mason and a fighter – went out and killed Junju.The mistake he did after killing Junju is that he cut off his private parts and brought it back, thinking that Semakokiro would be happy that his brother had been killed and that he now had his private parts. Instead, Semakokiro was livid. There was a plan to kill the people who had killed Junju and the first wave of the Abakunta moved from Uganda at around 1760 and settled in the islands of Lake Victoria. The second group was of fishermen who would go after fish. There was a particular delicacy called Semutundu; I do not know an equivalent in English---

Sen. M. Kajwang', I hope that is written somewhere in the history of the Suba for us to have reference.

Yes, Madam Temporary Speaker, there is. If you read the book on the origins of the Luo-Abasuba of Western Kenya by Prof. Henry Okello Ayot, it captures what I have talked about. The first wave was as a result of war or fights between two brothers and the second wave was about fishermen. There are also others who migrated because of opportunities. They came and settled in an area where they later on had contact with the Luo. Why are they not referred to as Basoga or Baganda because that is where they originally came from? The Irish who went to the United States of America (USA) are still called Irish while the Germans are called German-Americans. The Abasuba was as a result of that mixing with the Luo culture and, so, they came up with a unique culture and language. I have very little time and I hope that the Committee looking into this issue will do justice. Madam Temporary Speaker, I know that there are certain bodies and one gentleman called Lawrence Okombo Magwar who three months ago, organized a meeting in Mbita Point. In this meeting, they discussed with the Kenya Institute of Education (KIE) and the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) on how to put the Suba language as part of the curriculum. There are initiatives I hope that this Petition--- 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

On a point of information, Madam, Temporary Speaker.

Who do you want to inform because the Senator has already sat down.

Sen. M. Kajwang', I will give you one more minute so that you can receive information from Sen. Wako, if you wish.

Yes, Madam Temporary Speaker.

Madam Temporary Speaker, I agree with what Sen. M. Kajwang' has said. I would also like to add – and the Committee can look into that as well – that the third wave that came were of the Luhya. Therefore, there is some Luhya element among the Abasuba and that is why he tends to look like me, because there is some Luhya blood in him.

Proceed, Sen. M. Kajwang'.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. I do not know whether Sen. Wako was trying to imply that my father could be in this House and that he is, probably, a Luhya. Madam Temporary Speaker, I hope that this will not ignite or create a problem that does not exist. This is because we know that the Abasuba matter has been used politically in the past when Suba District was created by the then President Moi. It was then a political ploy to create an enclave within Luo land. The Luo, the Abasuba and all these communities have cohabited and some of us are a product of all those different communities. Let us, therefore, find a way of promoting that language so that it does not die; but let us not reignite political and partisan feuds. Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker, for the opportunity to contribute to this Petition. We are not just calling for the protection of the Abasuba, but their recognition. When that is done, we will be able to protect their rich culture, heritage and language. Before Sen. Wako spoke, I wanted to say that the Abasuba also have some Luhya and Ekegusii in them, other than just the Basoga and the Baganda as Sen. M. Kajwang' said. Sen. M. Kajwang’ seems to be a good source of the issues pertaining to the Abasuba. This Committee should consider tapping this knowledge. Recently, the Maragoli of Uganda were also recognized. There was a Motion calling for their recognition in their Parliament. Therefore, we will not be doing anything unique from what other countries – especially our neighbours – are doing. We also have the Maragoli across the border and they are also a unique enclave within that community. The Committee that will deal with this Petition should move very fast for us to deal with the issue of the Abasuba, once and for all. Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. 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

Are there no more requests? Proceed, Sen. Kang’ata.

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. With all due respect, I want to disagree with every person who has given their submission. It is good for us to love tradition. I doubt if there is anyone who loves traditions more than me. However, this is not a practical Petition. In Kikuyu land, there were people who were called Gumba and the Athi, but they were all assimilated by the Kikuyus. The truth is that enacting a law or discussing a Petition here will not help, because historical processes of assimilation are a reality. If you want to protect your culture, you only have two things; you either become so many with a population of close to 1 billion or alternatively become rich. When rich, you can then use your political and economic muscle to fight other people. However, with all due respect and with all those primordial instincts, the truth is that the Suba will continued being assimilated. Madam Temporary Speaker, as a matter of fact many languages, for example, the Kikuyu, we speak today might be extinct in the next 50 years. This is because even the children of my brothers who are Luhyas do not speak Luhya language. Instead, they will be speaking English or Chinese language. By that time, China will be the super power. Let us be practical---

On a point of order, Madam Temporary Speaker.

Sen. M. Kajwang' has a point of order.

Please, allow me to finish, Madam Temporary Speaker.

Order, Sen. Kang'ata!

Madam Temporary Speaker, I appreciate the passion of Sen. Kang'ata. However, is he in order to say that you have to be rich to maintain a dialect? If it is richness, hon. Tom Mboya, hon. Evans Kidero and PC J. Nyakiamo of Barclays Bank are all from Suba. What kind of richness are you talking about? Are you talking about the richness that cannot withstand a lifestyle audit?

Madam Temporary Speaker, please, allow me to explain. My colleague misunderstood me. I did not mean individuals, but I am talking of the entire ethnic community---

On a point of order, Madam Temporary Speaker.

There is an intervention by Sen. Were.

Madam Temporary Speaker, please, allow me to explain.

Sen. Were is to make an intervention.

Madam Temporary Speaker, is Sen. Kang'ata in order to insinuate that the Abasuba have no right to seek for recognition and protection of their culture just because they are not rich or politically powerful?

Sen. Kang'ata, you have some explanations to make there.

Yes, Madam Temporary Speaker. I may have communicated my point in a wrong way, but the point is that cultures fight against forces of assimilation 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

Hon. Senators, I see no further interventions. Before I refer this petition to the relevant Standing Committee, I note that the subject matter to which the Petition relates falls under the mandate of more than one committee, that is, the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare which has the mandate to consider matters relating to culture and heritage and the Standing Committee on Education, in so far as the current Petition was triggered by the decision of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) to have the Dholuo language taught in Suba primary schools. That being the case, I direct that pursuant to Standing Order No.226 (1), the Petition stands committed to the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare, jointly with the Standing Committee on Education. In terms of Standing Order No.226 (2), the Committees are required in not more than 60 days from the time of reading the prayer, to respond to the petitioners by way of a report to the petitioners and laid on the Table of the Senate. Thank you. Next Order!

Madam Temporary Speaker, beg to lay the following Papers on the Table of the Senate, today, Tuesday 19th June, 2018:- REPORT ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF MERU COUNTY REVENUE BOARD Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statement of the Meru County Revenue Board for the year ended 30 June, 2017. REPORT ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF KAJIADO COUNTY ASSEMBLY CAR LOAN AND MORTGAGE FUND Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statement of the Kajiado County Assembly Car Loan and Mortgage Fund for the year ended 30 June, 2017.

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

Madam Temporary Speaker, I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table of the Senate today, Tuesday, 19th June, 2018:- REPORT OF CPAIC ON FINANCIAL OPERATIONS OF NAKURU COUNTY EXECUTIVE FOR FY 2013/2014 Report of the Sessional Committee on County Public Accounts and Investments on the Inquiry into the Financial Operations of the Nakuru County Executive for the Financial Year 2013/2014 (1st July, 2013 to 30th June, 2014). REPORT OF CPAIC ON FINANCIAL OPERATIONS OF KILIFI COUNTY EXECUTIVE FOR FY 2013/2014 Report of the Sessional Committee on County Public Accounts and Investments on the Inquiry into the Financial Operations of the Kilifi County Executive for the Financial Year 2013/2014 (1st July, 2013 to 30th June, 2014). REPORT OF CPAIC ON FINANCIAL OPERATIONS OF HOMA BAY COUNTY EXECUTIVE FOR FY 2013/2014 Report of the Sessional Committee on County Public Accounts and Investments on the Inquiry into the Financial Operations of the Homa Bay County Executive for the Financial Year 2013/2014 (1st July, 2013 to 30th June, 2014). REPORT OF CPAIC ON FINANCIAL OPERATIONS OF KISII COUNTY EXECUTIVE FOR FY 2013/2014 Report of the Sessional Committee on County Public Accounts and Investments on the Inquiry into the Financial Operations of the Kisii County Executive for the Financial Year 2013/2014 (1st July, 2013 to 30th June, 2014).

Next Order!

Madam Temporary Speaker, I wish to give notice of the following Motions:- 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

Next is Sen. Olekina. IMPROVEMENT OF KENYA’S RANKING IN WORLD TRAVEL AND TOURISM COMPETITIVENESS INDEX

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker, I beg to give notice of the following Motion:- THAT AWARE that the Ministry of Tourism developed and published the Kenya National Tourism Blue Print 2030 in May 2017; 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

Next Order!

Having no Statements at the moment, we will move to the next Order. 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

Madam Temporary Speaker, I beg to move the following Motion: THAT, AWARE that the Senate of Kenya is established by Article 93 of the Constitution and its main role, as set out in Article 96 of the Constitution, is to represent and serve the interests of the counties and their governments; FURTHER AWARE that the Senate plays a critical role in the linkage of the devolved governments and the national government; NOTING that since its inception the Senate has held its sittings in Nairobi with its committees occasionally visiting the devolved governments on fact finding missions; COGNIZANT of the need to enhance the interaction between the Senate and county governments as a means of bringing the Senate closer to the counties and the general public; APPRECIATING the recommendation of the Senate Business Committee that a Sitting of the Senate be held away from the traditional premises in Parliament Buildings, Nairobi, in order to – i) provide an opportunity to members and staff of county assemblies to learn and borrow best practices from the Senate; ii) promote the role and work of the Senate; iii) highlight existing opportunities for people to get involved in the work of the Senate; and iv) develop and strengthen partnerships at the county level and enhance public awareness regarding the Business of the Senate. NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to Article 126 (1) of the Constitution and Standing Order 31 (1) of the Senate Standing Orders, the Senate resolves that its plenary and committees sittings be held in Uasin Gishu County from 26th to 28thSeptember, 2018.

Kindly clarify what you are praying for in your Motion. You have said that you pray that the Senate sits in Uasin Gishu County from 26th to 28thSeptember, 2018 yet your Motion reads from 24th to 28thSeptember, 2018.

Madam Temporary Speaker, I apologise and withdraw that statement. I pray that the Senate sits in Uasin Gishu County from 24th to 28thSeptember, 2018. We have brought this Motion for several reasons. There was a recommendation by the Senate Business Committee which has to be adopted by this Plenary. The recommendation was that we move to Uasin Gishu County from 24th to 28thSeptember, 2018 and hold our sittings there. We need to support that proposal by the Senate Business Committee for several reasons. One, the Constitution provides the importance of decentralizing the services of 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

Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker. The role of this House starts from Article 93 of the Constitution. Many people do not recognise that the Senate is, indeed, a part of Parliament. Holding a session in Uasin Gishu will demystify the role of the Senate. I support this Motion because it is important for people in Kenya to realise how important this House is. This House is tasked with making laws which is something that many people do not recognize. This House is also tasked with protecting the interests of counties and their governments. Madam Temporary Speaker, the people of Uasin Gishu County have suffered a lot. I know that many farmers were not paid. Therefore, holding the session in Uasin Gishu County will give the people of Uasin Gishu County an opportunity to come and present their petition and understand how important the role of the Senate is. I cannot emphasis the importance of oversight. We have had a lot of tug of wars and fights with the National Assembly in terms of them approving our resources for us to carry out our oversight function. This Motion will not only give us an opportunity for us to carry out oversight but it will show how creative this House and its Members are in ensuring that regardless of what barriers are put in front of us, we still proceed to carry out our oversight. People will realize the importance of this House. Madam Temporary Speaker, we have many things that we can share with the Members of County Assemblies (MCAs). We realized that we are so blessed to have competent senior lawyers in this House who can guide us in terms of establishing legislation, dealing and interrogating matters on issues of the reports of the Auditor- General. You realize that in county governments, the assemblies are required to also consider the reports of the Auditor-General. This is the time to enable us, particularly, in this year when the Senate is proving to be the most effective House of Parliament, to help build capacity for our MCAs so that they can make laws that will help improve the standards of living for their people. Madam Temporary Speaker, earlier on, we were talking about the epidemic of cancer. When these assemblies see the way we interrogate the petition and are able to move, they can pick up the best practices and come up with legislation that will not conflict with the laws that we make either from the National Assembly or the Senate. Madam Temporary Speaker, it is important for us to promote our work for the counties and the people of Kenya to realize that without the Senate, devolution will be dead. I am proud of this House because when we see legislation that claws back on the 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

And all the Maasais.

We will also take all the Maasais who are in Narok there. It will enable us to discuss and agree on where we will hold the Session next. Madam Temporary Speaker, understanding laws is very important. It is very sad that this House does not have original jurisdiction on legislation. Sometimes it takes the public to lobby the Members of the National Assembly to ensure that when legislations are passed here and taken to the National Assembly, it behoves them to move expeditiously to ensure that they pass those laws, so that they can become Acts of Parliament. Public participation is also very important. Madam Temporary Speaker, it is important for the people of this country to participate in the law making process. Most of the time when we are carrying out public participation sessions, only one or two people appear. It is because they do not know that they can go, attend a sitting of Parliament and share their views. I tend to believe that the day we will invest our resources in building public participation halls across this country is the day we will utilize public resources effectively. Going to Uasin Gishu County will be an eye-opener not only for us, but also for the entire country. I hope that we will continue broadcasting to show the entire country that the sittings of the Senate cannot only be held in Nairobi, but also in mashinani . Madam Temporary Speaker, Sir, in the last Parliament, there are some county assemblies that were holding their sessions across the county. That is something which we would like to encourage. When these county governments see that we have moved the entire Senate secretariat, Senators and the Senate office to Uasin Gishu County, they will know how serious we are. I pride myself with having travelled across the whole country. I know very few of us here have been to Uasin Gishu County. This will not only give them an opportunity to enjoy the good mursik of Uasin Gishu County, but also give them an opportunity to widen devolution in the right sense. When they go there, they could get investment opportunities in that county. We have various discussions on how we can maintain our cultures and this will be an opportunity to interact with the people of Uasin Gishu County. They will know that even after the 2007 Post-Election Violence, people still came together. This is because in Uasin Gishu County, it is not only one ethnic group that exists. However, sometimes, people might think that because the Senator or Governor from that region is from one community, the people come from one community. We should show the diversity that exists in this country and how we are embracing it. The way we are embracing diversity should be the same way we should embrace devolution. 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

Honorable Senators, I now defer the rest of the business of the day to the next sitting day. Priority shall be given to Sen. Mugo, Sen. Wako and Sen. Cherargei in that order when this Motion matter comes next for discussion.

Honorable Senators, it is now 6.30 p.m. time to adjourn the business of the Senate. The House therefore stands adjourned until tomorrow Wednesday, 20th June, 2018 at 2.30 p.m. The Senate rose at 6.30 p.m. 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