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"id": 1008894,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1008894/?format=api",
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"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. Orengo",
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"id": 129,
"legal_name": "Aggrey James Orengo",
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"content": "These amendments, together with their simulations--- For example, if you look at the amendments by Sen. Mwangi, they are not simple. If you look at the simulations without a thorough and careful study, we may not be able to appreciate the full import of the amendments that are being sought. Similarly, the amendments by Sen. Olekina are equally detailed. Again, it would be appropriate to look at these simulations in respect of the substance of the Motion. Finally, there are also the amendments and simulations by distinguished Senator for Wajir. Madam Deputy Speaker, if ever there is a responsibility of the Senate, this is it. Under the powers we are given by the Constitution, this is the only power that when we exercise and come out with a resolution as set out in the provisions of Article 217, it cannot be negated by any authority other than the National Assembly, and they need a threshold of two thirds or more to change the decision of the Senate. That, coupled with the fact that we have only two hours to debate this matter, I do not see a situation where all the Senators who desire to speak on this matter may be able to do justice to their contributions in two or three minutes. Furthermore, this is matter in which if it possible, every Senator who wishes to speak to it should be heard. With the two hours left, unless we reduce the time for the Mover of the substantive Motion to present that Motion and accomplish that task in less than the time allocated according to the Standing Orders, I think it will be very difficult for every Member to get two to three minutes to contribute. Madam Deputy Speaker, this is a straightforward Motion. I invite Members of the Senate to look at the principles and framework of public finance, which are found in Article 201 and the whole of Article 203 of the Constitution. If you look at what we are required to achieve under the Constitution, at the end of the day, we must be sure that whatever we are passing, we have complied with the principles that are set up in the Constitution, and the base line is that it must be equitable and fair. Finally, the Constitution also requires that when there is a departure from the recommendation of the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA), we must justify the reasons there is such a departure. Putting all these things in totality, I plead with the House that we give ourselves more time to look at these new simulations by the three distinguished Senators, and also to build consensus. At the end of the day, the resolution will not be the resolution of one Senator; it will be the resolution of the Senate. As the Senator for Siaya, the position I take on this matter will have an impact in each and every county. That resolution is not in respect of my county; it is a resolution--- In fact, if you read Article 217, it says, “the Senate shall resolve.” To that extent, I plead with the Members that we give ourselves a little time. I think we have been on this for a long time, but the justice and the importance of this matter requires that we give ourselves a little time to achieve consensus that is non-partisan, and which we can defend and live with in every part of this country. I beg to move and ask Sen. Sakaja to second."
}