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{
    "id": 1355304,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1355304/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 78,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Tharaka, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. George Murugara",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "I am sorry about the technical hitch. I think something is awfully wrong. I was requesting you to allow me to second this Bill and call upon the Members of this House to get copies of the Report by the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs as regards their deliberations on the Bill and observations made. It will help all of us while debating and eventually as we vote on the Bill. It is important to point out that Chapter 6 of the Constitution deals with ethics and other matters that govern both State officers and public officers. It is also important to note that conflict of interest, in every transaction is one of the most important declarations that has to be made before any transaction can take place in what we call arm’s length situations. This is where all the parties are equal in the transaction as opposed to a situation where one or two parties are favoured in such a way that they have undue advantage. The Conflict of Interest Bill, 2023 has several sections which have to be dealt with clause by clause during the Committee of the whole House. We have made observations on this Bill, which will call for amendments where necessary. I encourage Members to read the Bill. If there is need to amend it, the right time to do so is during the Committee of the whole House stage. The Bill starts with what a conflict of interest is and proceeds to make instances which constitute it. All of them are there, including undue influence and misuse of power, especially when public servants or State officers are dealing with Government entities. We will move on to see what type of contexts will have prohibitions on conflict of interest. Eventually, the Bill makes it a point that we have to declare any conflict of interest, in compliance with the Act. Within given timelines, you will have to declare conflict. When it comes to property, you will also do so. This will enable the Government, especially through the EACC, to establish whether there is undue accumulation of wealth. 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."
}