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"speaker": null,
"content": "(Loud consultations)"
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"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. Wakili Sigei",
"speaker_title": "The Temporary Speaker",
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"content": " Order, hon. Members! Sen. Sifuna, you may proceed."
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"legal_name": "Sifuna Edwin Watenya",
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"content": "Mr. Speaker, Sir, nothing surprises me anymore these days. I have listened quietly in shock as a classmate of mine at the University of Nairobi misleads the House on the provision of the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution of this country that very clearly distinguishes between housing policy that is a national Government initiative and housing itself, which is a devolved function. There will be passionate presentations from our colleagues from the Majority side. However, I have lived long enough to see in the space of less than six months, people arguing as passionately as I can see my colleagues in the Majority side argument for Bills in the National Assembly - the Finance Bill. However, only for them to turn around and realise that what they were arguing very passionately for something that was against the interests of their people. We, the Minority side, have objected to this Bill. I want to go on record as objecting to this Bill on principle because we believe that housing is a devolved function. As a Senator, sworn to protect devolution and the interests of their counties, I cannot, in good faith, support this particular Bill. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, in the fullness of time, I believe that one day reason will come to our country. However, as it is right now, because we understand our position, as a Minority, we know we are outnumbered in this House. As the Senate Minority Whip, I can only guarantee 16 votes in support of the devolution in this House. I know that I am in the Minority side. However, what is heartbreaking is that a key tenet of democracy is that the minority must have their say, even that we are being denied by limitation of debate on such an important Bill from the maximum of 20 minutes to 4 minutes. I would have come with all my notes and explanations as to why I oppose this particular Bill. However, the most important thing is that the Government and the people in the Majority side have totally lost contact with the feelings and place of the ordinary people. One of the biggest objections to this particular Bill is the actual levy. If you look at ordinary people's payslips, they can no longer carry any more burden. People have been taxed to the bone. If you look at the payslips of these Members of Parliament here, many of them are going to be earning negative salaries if you impose this particular levy."
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"speaker_name": "Sen. Sifuna",
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"speaker": {
"id": 13599,
"legal_name": "Sifuna Edwin Watenya",
"slug": "sifuna-edwin-watenya"
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"content": "The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard Services,Senate."
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"id": 1385495,
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"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. Sifuna",
"speaker_title": "",
"speaker": {
"id": 13599,
"legal_name": "Sifuna Edwin Watenya",
"slug": "sifuna-edwin-watenya"
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"content": "That is not to mention people in the civil service, teachers, police officers; people who are earning very little money, so to speak, and the economy is in the doldrums. So, when we come here and because we know we have the numbers, we are going to lord or ramp the Bill through, it is all fun and games for now. As a politician, I pray that one of these fine days, we will be in the position that you are now. However, at least for us, we know that we will use the power that we get for good and not to ram things through simply because we have the numbers. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, in this House, if we are going to continue like this, then possibly there is no point in debating. We should behave the way the Speaker has behaved today, putting the question without bothering to hear the other side. We know we do not have the votes to carry through this Bill and this Motion. Please, allow us to speak on that. That is the key tenet of democracy. I can say without fear or favour that today I am embarrassed that you were my classmate at the School of Law at the University of Nairobi."
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"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. Wakili Sigei",
"speaker_title": "The Temporary Speaker",
"speaker": null,
"content": " Sen. Murgor, please proceed."
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"speaker_name": "Sen. Murgor",
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"content": "Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for giving me the opportunity to also add my voice to those of my colleagues. Upfront, I very strongly support the Housing Bill because for those of us that have lived outside this country, we have enjoyed houses built by Governments using the citizens’ taxes. As a foreign student, I remember working as a librarian in a university. What little money I got after working for two weeks, the system made sure I paid tax whether I liked it or not; whether I was a student or a full time worker. We visit places and see wonderful housing settings. People live in better houses and we wish it would happen in Kenya. It cannot happen unless we go by way of taxation through the housing levy as the government has set. In addition to living in better settings, job opportunities are guaranteed. People who have probably not been able to work and earn anything will now do so through the constructions going on. They will be able to pay school fees for their children and make ends meet because of working in those sites. Secondly, there will be materials purchased from hardware shops and other places. Even from people who harvest trees. My colleague, Sen. Mungatana, was talking about building flat roof type houses. He will be busy providing poles and posts, so that the elevated buildings will benefit. This will change the nation through housing and job provision. I support."
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"speaker_name": "Sen. Wakili Sigei",
"speaker_title": "The Temporary Speaker",
"speaker": null,
"content": " Proceed, Sen. Omogeni."
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"speaker_name": "Sen. Omogeni",
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"speaker": {
"id": 13219,
"legal_name": "Erick Okong'o Mogeni",
"slug": "erick-okongo-mogeni"
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"content": "Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I am a very disappointed Senator. I combed through the courts decision that nullified the housing levy. I came here as a Senator knowing that I would get the benefit of 20 minutes to reason together. Instead, you want to push things down our throats, even denying us the right to speak on behalf of the people of Nyamira County who elected me. This is not the democracy we fought for. We must suffer collective shame. All over the world, a Senate - an Upper House - is a deliberative House."
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"speaker_name": "Sen. Omogeni",
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"id": 13219,
"legal_name": "Erick Okong'o Mogeni",
"slug": "erick-okongo-mogeni"
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"content": "The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard Services,Senate."
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