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{
    "id": 1020308,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1020308/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 68,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Kiminini, FORD-K",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. (Dr.) Chris Wamalwa",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 1889,
        "legal_name": "Chrisantus Wamalwa Wakhungu",
        "slug": "chrisantus-wamalwa-wakhungu"
    },
    "content": " Thank you, Hon. Speaker, for granting me this opportunity. The matter that has been raised by Hon. T.J. Kajwang’ is a serious one to the extent of the population that it affects in terms of livelihoods. Article 118 of the Constitution which talks about public participation is a fundamental matter. You have been on record that any matter of constitutionality can be raised on this Floor of the House at any stage of the Report, whether a Bill or a Motion. So, we are completely in order to raise this matter. We respect Hon. Kimunya so much. But he should know that he is a Leader of the Majority Party, but not a Leader of Government Business like in the previous Parliamentary System. We are in a Presidential System. Members should be allowed to raise the matter and they must be respected. One thing we need to know is the extent to which public participation was done. We know we do not have an Act that operationalises Article 118. But we are aware that some of us have proposed a Bill on this. So, as we move forward, this is an issue that should be withdrawn if there is no hidden agenda. That is so that public participation can be done to the extent that Members will be comfortable. We want to use a bottom-up approach. Many issues have been happening without proper public participation. We have seen many Bills or even matters going to court. The court has quashed. So, as Parliament, it is, indeed, important that you pronounce yourself on this. If possible, Hon. Speaker, we should subject it to the satisfaction of the Members as far as public participation is concerned. I thank you, Hon. Speaker."
}