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{
    "id": 1375816,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1375816/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 250,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Osotsi",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13588,
        "legal_name": "Osotsi Godfrey Otieno",
        "slug": "osotsi-godfrey-otieno"
    },
    "content": "Members have raised several issues. However, my Bill only deals with two issues. One is the enhancement of fines upon summon and two the power of arrest. Members have raised several issues that we need to consider in a proper Bill that will look at those issues. I have heard Members talk about contempt of Parliament. This House needs to have a look at this matter. If you go to other jurisdictions, for example, Zambia, an African country like ours, in their Powers and Privileges Act, they have defined the process of handling contempt of Parliament. These are issues to do with the list of shame and clearance for elections, which is an important issue. This House has adopted reports recommending that some individuals are unfit to lead. What has been done about that? These people continue to contest elections and return to the same House that resolved that they are unfit to lead. The other issue we must be aware of when discussing our powers and privileges is how we can protect our oversight role. I have seen in some counties where whenever Senators want to do their oversight role, governors send people to demonstrate against the Senators. Some send the Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) to do press conferences condemning Senators. We must find a way of protecting our oversight role, especially in the counties. This Bill does not only deal with the issue of governors but all witnesses who appear in the House. Witnesses from the national Government, the county government, and personal individuals who appear before Parliament will be expected to adhere to the provisions of this Bill. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, allow me to quickly go through some of the issues Members have raised. Firstly, the issue of increasing the fines. Hon. Members, I will consult the relevant Committee, in this case, the Justice, Legal Affairs, and Human Rights Committee, on your proposals that you have given so that we can consider amending the Bill to reflect your positions. Secondly, there is the issue of the appearance on urgency. This Bill has covered this so that you do not have to wait for seven days like we have been doing. You can be asked to appear before the Committee within a shorter period. This will enhance the operations of our Committees. There was also the issue of who bears the burden of the fine. This is an important point, since, we could fine these people, and they end up drawing money from public coffers. This is one area where I will be consulting with the Committee to amend so that it is clear that the funds will be from personal sources. There was also the issue of recovering the fines. This Bill makes reference to the Debt (Summary Recovery) Act, which has specific guidelines on how that recovery is done and how complaints are filed. So, the Clerks of the two Houses will be able to file complaints to trigger this process. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, there was also the issue of the powers to arrest. If you look at the amendments that are proposed under Clause 4 (6), it says – “Where an order of arrest is to be effected by the officer of a House or Parliament, the Inspector General shall facilitate the arrest as may be requested by the Clerk.” 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."
}