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{
    "id": 1375721,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1375721/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 155,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Cheruiyot",
    "speaker_title": "The Senate Majority Leader",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13165,
        "legal_name": "Aaron Kipkirui Cheruiyot",
        "slug": "aaron-cheruiyot"
    },
    "content": "Mr. Speaker, Sir, this is part of the reform which I hope in the tenure of our very good distinguished Senator, Senate Majority Leader Emeritus, Sen. (Prof.) Kithure Kindiki, we shall see. Clause 3 states that- “Despite the provisions of subsection 5(a) the relevant House or its Committee may require a person to appear before it within a shorter period, as it may determine taking into account the urgency of the matter before the House or the Committee.” This is when Parliament is in need of a particular individual and for one reason or another, they are looking for an opportunity for you to present yourself. For example, if there is a matter that they feel that your attendance or otherwise, is needed and that is extremely important. Clause 4 is on an amendment of the Principal Act or a clean up. This is where witnesses are given opportunity to be heard prior to the impositions of fines verifying - these are basics of law, where the fine shall be a civil debt recoverable, summarily in accordance with the debts. Clause 5 provides for an order of arrest, which is to be effected by a police officer and the clerk shall transmit the order to the Inspector General for execution. This is whereby if the clerk has reached out to you and they cannot find you, then they will be left with no option other than to inform them that we cannot reach this particular person and, therefore, find your ways. Clause 7 states- “A person under arrest, shall be held at a place specified in the National Police Service Act, or designated by the clerk for purposes of holding such persons.” Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Parliament police station will be such an ideal place for such occurrence. For example, Sen. Osotsi comes from Vihiga, which is a warm part of the country. Arresting Sen. Osotsi and taking him to a police station in Limuru can easily make him lose consciousness because of the cold of the night. That is why a more familiar environment like the police station in Parliament here, will form a holding place of importance. Additionally, the same can be said of all of us because we know all these things. Today it happens to Members on this side and the following day it is Members on the other side. Therefore, it is important to make this possible. In this clause, “Officer of the House of Parliament” means- “any officer acting under the orders of the respective Speaker or duly authorized by the respective Clerk.” These are just consequential amendments. Consequently, this is an important amendment. This is something that we have discussed for a long time, but have never actualized. It is giving decency to Members of Parliament, so that we enjoy and that we are not harassed on streets going about our duties. Mr. Speaker, Sir, there are many people who are not happy with the decisions we take on matters that appear before this House. It is important that when Members of Parliament are going about their duties, they feel free to represent their people. They do not feel intimidated by anyone. I appreciate this proposal. 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."
}