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{
    "id": 1065228,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1065228/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 189,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Orengo",
    "speaker_title": "The Senate Minority Leader",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 129,
        "legal_name": "Aggrey James Orengo",
        "slug": "james-orengo"
    },
    "content": "I want to dwell on the significance of this issue because it is very important. Just in case people forget, at one time we debated the role of Parliament, while this provision was in the Constitution. You find it in no other provision in the Constitution. It is found in Article 94(4), which says: “Parliament shall protect this Constitution and promote the democratic governance of the Republic.” Mr. Speaker, Sir, it talks about the protection of this Constitution. When this Constitution is talking about “this Constitution”, it means it is something to be hallowed and of value. It also means when you want to change it, you have to think about what you are trying to do before you proceed to do so because it has certain foundational values. This thing I am talking to you about, Hon. Members, can find fortitude in the fact that all the organs – except the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) - deals with this Bill through elected representatives, county assemblies, Parliament and the President, if there is no referendum. You will not find the name of a judge there or any chairman of a commission. It is Parliament, County Assembly and the President. The most significant thing and that is why Article 1(2) is important, is that it is our role to oversight, discuss and consider any policy issues that the Republic is debating. Even if a private citizen reached out to the Executive, or any arm of Government, we, as a Parliament, have a role to play. We, as a Parliament, need to examine policy issues on behalf of the people. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the significance of what I am saying is that this process starts as a popular suggestion, which may then be formulated as a draft Bill. Now, you find throughout when it goes to IEBC, we are dealing with a draft Bill. I will point it to you why it is a draft Bill. They are the ones dealing with a draft Bill. According to the Constitution, when it went to the County Assemblies, they were dealing with a draft Bill and not a Bill. The moment 24 counties have passed the draft Bill, when it comes to Parliament, it becomes a Bill."
}