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{
    "id": 675597,
    "url": "http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/675597/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 120,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
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    "speaker": null,
    "content": "demanded to know the whereabouts of a certain Member of Parliament who had opposed his proposal to raise taxes. In response, the Speaker Lenthall told the King, and I quote:- “May it please your Majesty, I have neither eyes to see, nor tongue to speak in this place, but as the House is pleased to direct me, whose servant I am here…” In light of the foregoing and since the court order seeks to stay the decision made by this House, the Speaker’s hands are therefore tied. His eyes cannot see and his tongue cannot speak. He is subject to the direction of this House. Consequently, the Speaker has no option but to refer the matters raised by the Leader of the Majority Party and other Members back to this House for determination. However, as you are aware, the court order relates to the issue of disciplinary proceedings raised by the House of Parliament against its Member. That is a question of the privilege of the House in terms of Article 117(2) of the Constitution. With this in mind, I direct that the matters raised, including the issues canvassed by the letters by Hon. Peter Kaluma and Hon. Jakoyo Midiwo, be taken up by the Committee on Privileges. That is the body mandated under the National Assembly and the Powers and Privileges Act, to consider and advise the House on matters of privilege. They should do so by Tuesday 19th July 2016. The Committee is also at liberty to relook at the events of 31st March 2016 for purposes of Article 75 of the Constitution and make such recommendations as may be appropriate, taking into account the rights of the Member. The Committee shall advise the House on the way forward as regards the court order and the issues raised by the Members, namely, Hon. Peter Kaluma and Hon. Jakoyo Midiwo as well as the court order. I further direct that, in the meantime, pending the conclusion of the matter by the Committee on Privileges, the Member, Hon. James Opiyo Wandayi, is deemed a stranger and shall not be allowed within the precincts of Parliament except for purposes of attending the summons of the Powers and Privileges Committee as and when required by the Committee. The House and officers of the House are accordingly advised. I thank you."
}