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{
    "id": 1176162,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1176162/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 76,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. M. Kajwang’",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13162,
        "legal_name": "Moses Otieno Kajwang'",
        "slug": "moses-otieno-kajwang"
    },
    "content": "Standing Order No. 33 is quite clear on the procedure and who can call a special sitting. That Parliament is not guided only by the Standing Orders, but there is also tradition and precedence. We have set a precedent in this House that when the Senate Majority or Minority Leaders wishes to convene a Special Sitting, there ought to be some consultation. Not necessarily concurrence, but consultation between the two sides. I want to encourage us not to kill this spirit. I do not argue that it is mandatory. I argue that is a good precedent and tradition. I wish the Senate Majority and Minority Leaders were here. This is so that when issues are lined up for discussion on a special sitting, there is no disagreement on the agenda or the motive. If there was consultation, probably we would have dealt with a few other businesses on the Order Paper in form of Motions or we would have found other certain pieces of legislations that were ripe for consideration. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I do not fault the Senate Majority Leader for calling this Special Sitting in the manner in which he called it. However, I would like that you pronounce yourself from the Chair, that we should never kill the spirit of bipartisanship, which the Senate is known for. This is because today, the Senate Majority Leader may want a Special Sitting and tomorrow, the Senate Minority Leader will want the same. We do not want to balkanize the House. This is a House of sober second reflection. It is the ‘upper’ House. There is a reason why the visitors have chosen to come to the Senate. It is because this is a House where they know they are safe and that they will go out with some words of wisdom. Mr. Speaker, Sir, please prevail upon the Senate Majority and Minority Leaders to consult at all times on the agenda to be brought before this House."
}