Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 1047937,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1047937/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 121,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Nominated, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Wilson Sossion",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13171,
        "legal_name": "wilson sossion",
        "slug": "wilson-sossion"
    },
    "content": " Thank you, Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker. I rise to support the Bill. This is going to be one of the most important Bills in implementing the Constitution of Kenya. I am saying so because Article 10(2)(a) of the Constitution, on national values and principles of governance, talks about patriotism, national unity, sharing and devolution of power, the rule of law, democracy and participation of the people of Kenya. I am particular about democracy and participation of the people of Kenya. We have talked about many issues, ranging from constitutional amendments to key issues that are very dear to the people of Kenya. This Bill should have come during the term of the 10th or the 11th Parliament, so that the people of Kenya could exercise their sovereign power on the many issues that confound them. As we appreciate our democracy as a country, we know we have conducted two successful referenda in this country since Independence—in 2005 and 2010. Circumstances are now pushing us to another referendum. This tells us that before the enactment of other pieces of legislation to implement the Constitution of Kenya, this probably would have been the most essential Bill that should have come in the 10th and 11th Parliaments. Nevertheless, it is good we are debating it at the moment. I want to thank both the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs and the Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee. And I would like to plead with our legal friends in those Committees—with a lot of respect you have done a fantastic job—to give us an easy time and allow us to enact an Act that will enable the people of Kenya to exercise their sovereignty which has been denied over time. Of course, referenda are conducted in other civilizations. We are talking about Britain in terms of Brexit, but it has not conducted a referendum only on Brexit. Referendum is an everyday activity that comes as and when necessary. I remember three years ago there was a referendum in Scotland seeking to secede from the United Kingdom. The referendum was lost. So, really, a referendum is not only for political purposes or the specific purpose of a constitutional amendment; it is also about issues that the people must decide on. I have in mind quite a number of issues in this country. For example, we are deciding on the type of education system. In the spirit of Article 10(2) (a) of the Constitution, where is public participation?"
}