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{
    "id": 1371772,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1371772/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 139,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Sifuna",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13599,
        "legal_name": "Sifuna Edwin Watenya",
        "slug": "sifuna-edwin-watenya"
    },
    "content": "Mr. Speaker, Sir, there is also a very interesting proposal here. If you look at Clause 4(vii), I think Sen. Osotsi wanted this institution of Parliament to also have its own holding cells. Clause 7A states that- “A person arrested under subsection 3 shall be held at such a place as specified in the National Police Service Act or as shall be designated by the clerk for purposes of holding such persons”. Therefore, you can find a nice place with tea and mandazi for them to chill there as they wait to appear before the committee. However, they will at least be within the possession of the institution of Parliament. Lastly, I want to speak to the fine that has been proposed to be imposed under subclause 5 of the amendment and enhance the fine to Kshs2 million for specific conduct during the appearance of a witness before the committee. Mr. Speaker, Sir, Members of the County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) can bear me witness that there was one time a governor appeared before us and when our Chairman, the most honourable Senator for Homabay, Moses Kajwang asked the governor to take an oath, he had the audacity to ask the committee “Under which law are you asking me to take an oath?” That was before we went ahead to educate him that is a constitutional requirement when you are appearing before this House or before a Committee of Parliament. Mr. Speaker, Sir, Sen. Osotsi has gone further than the Constitution to impose a fine to those who refuse to take oath before committees. We have seen attempts and even others refusing to take oath for whatever reason. We would want the evidence that is given to the House or to the committee to be evidence under oath. Number two, he has proposed a fine for those who refuse to remain until the end because these people are always busier than Parliament. They will appear before us and tell the chairman “I only have an hour. I have a flight to South Africa because it is my birthday.” The sort of contempt that we are being subjected to in the committees must stop. With this clause, Sen. Osotsi as the Chairperson of the County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee (PIC) will be able to hold those witnesses there until they have answered all the questions they have been asked to appear to answer. Number three, there are those who give dodgy answers. You would ask a question and you can see the governor or the entity is dodging the question. What we must do is to fine these people who want to reduce the institution of Parliament to something of a joke. Lastly, there is an amendment--- I do not know if there is a problem with the Air Conditioner (AC) in the House because I can see my lady colleagues--- I do not know if it is me or it is because it is Ash Wednesday. I think it is because---"
}