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{
    "id": 1067473,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1067473/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 303,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Nominated, JP",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. (Ms.) Shamalla Jennifer",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13169,
        "legal_name": "Jeniffer Shamala",
        "slug": "jeniffer-shamala"
    },
    "content": "When I look at this country and see the abuse of elders, I think the respect for parents and the elderly is one of the best clauses in this amendment Bill. I hasten to add that, as a nation, if we abide by this decree, then we shall be blessed long upon our land beloved Kenya. According to Kenyans, in order to resolve the cyclical election violence, they said that they wanted a structure of governance that was consociational in nature. The winner takes it all political system should not and could not fit in the consciousness of Kenyans. Lest we forget, in March 2008, the National Assembly of Kenya passed the National and Reconciliation Accord Act that amended the Constitution introducing the position of Prime Minister and two Deputy Prime Ministers. Article 257 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 on the amendment of the Constitution by popular initiative recognises the sovereignty of the people of Kenya and the power to make amendments to the Constitution. The sovereignty of the people is not exercised on specific Articles of the Constitution, but the entire Constitution including the delimitation of the constituency boundaries. The Constitution is the supreme law of a country in contrast to ordinary legislation. A Constitution embodies the fundamental choices made by a country and its people that establish the basis for political and social life. However, while intended to be both foundational and enduring, constitutions are not intended to be immutable. If they are to endure, they must respond to changing needs and circumstances. The motivation for changing the written text of a Constitution differ. Some amendments are made for public interest, for example, the Bill before this House. They can also be made to adjust the Constitution to the environment in which the political systems operate including economies, technologies and international relations. Constitutions have to be responsive to social change and changes over time in social morals and values. It is true that we have inherited a very robust Constitution, but no Constitution can provide for all eventualities. No document can be searched that it needs no change. At the same time, a Constitution is not frozen and an unalterable document. It is a document made by human beings and may need revision, changes and re-examination. It is true that the Constitution reflects the dreams and aspirations of a society. It must also be kept in mind that the Constitution is the framework for the democratic governance of society. In this sense, it is an instrument that societies create for themselves and amend for themselves. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}