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{
    "id": 1019244,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1019244/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 314,
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    "content": "minute the constitutional provisions relating to marginalized groups are not implemented, this flies in the face of the expansion of our democratic space. Additionally, allow me to mention that the role of media and opposition parties in promoting democracy cannot be overstated. In the current dispensation, the voice of the opposition seems muffled and weakened; a situation that has left the Government unchecked. As the Centre for Multi-Party Democracy, we are not terming the ‘Handshake’ as a bad thing because it brought about a lot of stability, togetherness and inclusivity. There are certain undesired consequences that we are observing as a result of the ‘Handshake’ which we need to check. The media has stepped in as the only major alternative voice in the last couple of months. I must commend the Senate because no matter which divide of the House we sat in, we have dispensed our mandate effectively. The third basis for revenue sharing formula is a case in point where this House felt that some things are below optimal. This House has stood up in defense of some important things when a voice of reason was needed. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I congratulate this House and the media for the role they have played in ensuring that certain things have been highlighted in a situation where we have below optimal checks and balances that would have been provided by an assertive Opposition. The media has played a key role in promoting the constitutional guarantees of liberty and freedom of expression for all. There have been instances where these rights have been violated; a case in point is during 2018 when some of the country’s private television stations were shut down. We do not want to go back into history, but we do not also want to see situation where media houses can be shut down. Those are some of the situation that speak to certain high handedness that we would like to get rid of in this Day of Democracy. We do not need to witness some highhandedness in this day and age. It is our duty to ensure that the democratic space, values and principles that are anchored in our progressive Constitution are protected and promoted. We need to take a proactive approach to ensure that the democracy of Kenya is protected and promoted as it is the anchor of the wholesome development of this country. Relevant institutions need to be supported with legislatives and publicly, we need to ensure that they are effective and perform their roles. Against the backdrop of COVID-19, a lot for rights that pertain to the free movement of people and access to different information have pointed to certain ways in which certain democratic rights have been taken back while we understand that regulations in the face of a pandemic need to be respected. However, this House must ensure that some of the democratic rights are given back as soon as the COVID-19 curve is flattened. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, we have had instances where corruption has flourished because of the emergency nature of some of our procurement. There has been flouting of certain rules. We have witnessed cases of police brutality in the enforcement of rules and regulations. Those are some of the democratic rights that have been violated under the pretext of the pandemic that we need to make sure---"
}