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{
    "id": 1385493,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1385493/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 573,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Sifuna",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13599,
        "legal_name": "Sifuna Edwin Watenya",
        "slug": "sifuna-edwin-watenya"
    },
    "content": "Mr. Speaker, Sir, nothing surprises me anymore these days. I have listened quietly in shock as a classmate of mine at the University of Nairobi misleads the House on the provision of the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution of this country that very clearly distinguishes between housing policy that is a national Government initiative and housing itself, which is a devolved function. There will be passionate presentations from our colleagues from the Majority side. However, I have lived long enough to see in the space of less than six months, people arguing as passionately as I can see my colleagues in the Majority side argument for Bills in the National Assembly - the Finance Bill. However, only for them to turn around and realise that what they were arguing very passionately for something that was against the interests of their people. We, the Minority side, have objected to this Bill. I want to go on record as objecting to this Bill on principle because we believe that housing is a devolved function. As a Senator, sworn to protect devolution and the interests of their counties, I cannot, in good faith, support this particular Bill. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, in the fullness of time, I believe that one day reason will come to our country. However, as it is right now, because we understand our position, as a Minority, we know we are outnumbered in this House. As the Senate Minority Whip, I can only guarantee 16 votes in support of the devolution in this House. I know that I am in the Minority side. However, what is heartbreaking is that a key tenet of democracy is that the minority must have their say, even that we are being denied by limitation of debate on such an important Bill from the maximum of 20 minutes to 4 minutes. I would have come with all my notes and explanations as to why I oppose this particular Bill. However, the most important thing is that the Government and the people in the Majority side have totally lost contact with the feelings and place of the ordinary people. One of the biggest objections to this particular Bill is the actual levy. If you look at ordinary people's payslips, they can no longer carry any more burden. People have been taxed to the bone. If you look at the payslips of these Members of Parliament here, many of them are going to be earning negative salaries if you impose this particular levy."
}