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{
    "id": 1262634,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1262634/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 311,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Maanzo",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13589,
        "legal_name": "Maanzo Daniel Kitonga",
        "slug": "maanzo-daniel-kitonga"
    },
    "content": "Therefore, if you are not caught by the Constitution, then you are likely to be caught by other laws. I was a member of this committee. This job was done thoroughly and professionally. The matter before us is between the County Assembly of Siaya and the Deputy Governor of Siaya. When we looked at that particular matter when it was brought to us, an impeachment had already been conducted in Siaya and there were four points that came out. Two of them were not substantiated but two were substantiated through the evidence which was standard and admissions by the Deputy Governor of Siaya upon cross-examination by Sen. Chimera and Sen. Gataya Mo Fire. Mr. Speaker, Sir, we have just received facts and the Committee was very professional. It went through the whole process. We carefully listened to everybody and all evidence adduced including electronic evidence which had a transcript. In relation to the charge on the Deputy Governor on gross violation of the Constitution and other laws on the allegation of interference with the procurement process through acts or bids, and rigging had been substantiated. That was through the evidence tendered. Impeachment is a very serious matter. The whole country is learning. We are here for devolution and we want it to work in every county including Siaya. Whatever happens in Siaya now will give history and direction in future. I am very sure that it was not a joke after such a thorough process. These were not rumours or politics. They were facts and the Acts of Parliament in play. Mr. Speaker, Sir, regarding abuse of office and gross misconduct on allegation of giving misleading information to public and giving false information, was also substantiated. A video was played and the transcript was translated. There were cross- examination and admissions. So, the facts speak for themselves. As a House, we should not politicize this matter. It is not just about Siaya County but about all the other counties. Our work is to protect devolution in this country. The biggest question we should be asking in our minds is whether the people of Siaya County will be properly served under this set of circumstances. Our duty is to ensure that the people of Siaya County are properly served. After going through such a rigorous process from the County Assembly and the Senate, I am sure that everybody has a lesson to learn. I am also sure devolution is going to be stronger in future. Therefore, I call upon everyone who is in responsibility, whether the Governor, Deputy Governor or anybody with responsibility; that the law exists and does not favour anyone. The moment you breach the Constitution or violate an existing statute such as the criminal court--- It is a criminal offence to give misleading information. It is against the Constitution to cause disharmony in a county or even give wrong information publicly, especially on procurement. It came out clearly that the Assembly together with the County Government, which includes the Deputy Governor, had allocated certain amounts of money for a stadium and it was going to be implemented. When information is given to the contrary, the best thing one can do when they find they are in the wrong, is to seek an apology and reconciliation."
}