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{
    "id": 1267862,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1267862/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 77,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Wakili Sigei",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Mr. Speaker Sir, it took time before I could appreciate that the opportunity was for me because of reference to my first name. I would like to also express my displeasure on the conduct of Cabinet Secretaries. I was going through the Standing Orders, which were amended for a reason. Standing Order No.51(d) states that: “The Senate may, where a Cabinet Secretary fails, without reasonable cause, to appear and respond to Questions under this Part, move a motion to censure the Cabinet Secretary.” At the time of this amendment, I believe the reason was that Cabinet Secretaries should appear before the House to speak to Kenyans through their representatives on key questions that require their personal attention and attendance before the House. One of the questions that was meant to be asked today by Sen. Cheptumo, that is Question No.18, is to do with Kenyans who are currently arrested in a foreign country. That question cannot wait for the Cabinet Secretary to come back from wherever he travelled to, to respond to it. It is something that should have been given priority over any other engagement by the Cabinet Secretary. It is a show of disrespect to the House. It is a show of no desire to make sure that the Cabinet Secretary takes responsibility for their core mandate because this House is a representative of all Kenyans. The Cabinet Secretary sits in the office to make sure that the role that this House performs is within the demands required. Therefore, their failure to appear, and worst is giving the excuse that they did in the last minute, is a complete disrespect of the House. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I join my colleagues in expressing displeasure in calling the Cabinet Secretaries for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs and Health for failing to honour the House or giving the House sufficient notice on inability to appear. In order to make sure that we do not waste the time of this House in future, we need to ensure that we censure them where possible. In particular, this House passed the Bill on Powers and Privileges where such individuals can be surcharged at a personal level and meet the cost that the law provides The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard Services,Senate."
}