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    "id": 716252,
    "url": "http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/716252/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 84,
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    "content": "Clause 4 says that the Commission shall within 90 days from the date of a general election open the register of voters for inspection for a period of 30 days or such a period as the Commission my find fit. If there is a genuine fear that at any one time using a complementary system, that any voter who is not supposed to vote would be voting, the logical question to ask would be-- because it is provided for in the same Bill, that the voters’ register will be opened for scrutiny 90 days before the elections occur - what would stop a concerned Kenyan from scrutinizing that same register which is available? They can then say that these particular voters who are here do not exist even before voting commences. The argument that there is any possibility that a system can be used to vote for people who are not in the register is not valid. It can be discounted by the provision of the same Act. There are mechanisms in this country for one to lodge that complaint with the IEBC before the election. They can say that they have scrutinized as per the provision of the Act and found that the register is not up to date or that there are people in that particular register who should not be voting. It is wrong for us to allow the misdirection that there could be that mischief. Secondly, this country knows the journey we have walked since 2007 and 2008. It would be wrong for any of us, as sitting Members of Parliament, to try and create a scenario that would take us back to where we were, not only in action, but even by trying to foment a scenario that would lead this country back to those dark days. Therefore, it behooves all of us to be sincere. The amendments contained in this Act do not amount to a scenario that would bring the kind of disaster, or disenfranchisement, that is envisaged or that is portrayed by those that are opposing this particular amendment. On the amendment on the qualification of the Members of Parliament, I agree that there has to be a threshold that requires Members of Parliament to have qualifications even as high as a degree. However, when advertising for any position that requires qualification in any profession, it is required that you specify which kind of degree you want. You cannot say that you are advertising for a judge and you are asking people with any degree to apply. You will require the person to possess a degree in law. If you are calling for doctors, the people must have gone to medical schools and have a degree in medicine. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the generalization of this requirement suggests that it is not placed anywhere based on a particular interest. I say that because in both Houses, we have medical doctors, veterinary doctors, geologists and all manner of qualifications. The value that this attributes by having that qualification can only be specified so that it becomes relevant in law. I want to summarise by saying that this country is watching the actions that will be taken by this House this afternoon and on the way forward. We all have political interest. However, let it not be that the political interest of a few of us can be put first such that we compromise the peace, safety and security of our citizens for us to pursue a political agenda. This matter must be settled. Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale is gladly thumping up for me on that contribution. It is precisely what I am addressing from his side. This is so that the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) can realize that this country is greater than any ambition that any one of them may hold now and in the future. This is also so that when they propose 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"
}