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{
    "id": 1279072,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1279072/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 129,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Ugunja, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Opiyo Wandayi",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Hon. Speaker, we seem to be in a very unique situation here. For the first time since my coming to this House, I have seen an issue being raised over a Bill at the First Reading stage. This is, indeed, unprecedented. However, of course, difficult times sometimes call for extraordinary measures. If I got Hon. Kagiri well, she seems to imply that the Bill offends the Constitution. That would be a very serious matter. I have had a chance to look at the Report of the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs that forwarded this Bill for further processing. I have also had a chance to discuss with Hon. Masara because he came to my office upon the publication of this Bill to not only seek for my support, but to also urge me to rally Members to support it. However, I have since read the Report of the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs, and I have noted that there is only one opposing view - that of the Hon. Otiende Amollo - if I am not wrong. Hon. Speaker, under the circumstances, it may require that instead of us throwing away the Bill outrightly, in the manner suggested by Hon. Kagiri, and without having given Hon. Masara a chance to speak to it, you give a considered ruling on this matter, and especially, bearing in mind the issues being raised by Hon. Kagiri on the past practice of this House, and the fact that it takes quite a long time for the Bill to mature, sometimes two or three years. You need to consider all these factors as you make your ruling. If you ask me, and I may be wrong, I would have wanted this Bill to be subjected to public participation so that the public can also have their views on it. Bearing in mind, of course, that if this House passes a Bill which is contrary to the Constitution, courts can still annul it. Hon. Speaker, the onus is however, on you, and I am sure you will give us a ruling. Thank you."
}