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{
    "id": 1427586,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1427586/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 310,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Chimera",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Today, as I speak before this House, the people of Mavirivirini, Kadzandani, and Mwavumbo in Kwale County are set to enjoy the first tarmac road in those particular localities since Independence, thanks to devolution. As I speak before you today, the people of Adu and Kamale in Kilifi County are enjoying proper healthcare services, thanks to devolution. As we use that yardstick to pour praise on our many governors out there, the same yardstick should be employed and used by this House in demanding accountability, transparency and oversight. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, this Bill seeks to amend Articles 99(2) and 193(2) of the Constitution, as well as Sections 24(2) and 25(2) of the Elections Act, to provide that a person who has served their full term as Governor shall not be eligible to be elected as Senator or Member of County Assembly (MCA). I want to imagine that there is no serving governor who will want to seek the office of MCA. However, many of them currently serving their second term and will have served their full term by 2027 are desirous of running for the Senate. As the leadership of this great nation, it is time we spoke to the reality of accountability and holding various officers in governance structures accountable. I shudder to imagine that a governor--- Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, permit me because what I am about to say might fly in the face of the principles of natural justice. We have a governor from Isiolo County who, for lack of a better word, has gone rogue. The same governor has refused to honour invitations and summonses by two committees that I sit in. I shudder to imagine that they can serve their full term as governor and find it fit to seek election as senator. If they do not want to co-operate in the oversight process as governor, what can they do when they become Senator? We must be truly accountable to our people. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, those who will come on this Floor and perhaps attempt to oppose this particular amendment Bill will tell you one thing. I am thinking ahead of them. They will come before you waving the Constitution on your face and cite Article 38(3) that speak about fundamental freedoms and political rights. That is a conversation we should not be prepared to have for now as a country. I am a lawyer by profession, and I understand the Constitution very well. I know that many opponents will think this attempt by Sen. Chimera to try and bar governors from coming to Senate is unconstitutional. However, I plead with them to read that same Article 38(3). For the benefit of doubt, perhaps I will read it for them, just to stress what it says. It says- “Every adult citizen has the right, without unreasonable restrictions- (a) to be registered as a voter; (b) to vote by secret ballot in any election or referendum; and (c) to be a candidate for public office, or office within a political party of which the citizen is a member and, if elected, to hold office.” Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, they will use this particular in the Constitution as a carte blanche to advance the argument that this Bill is not fit. However, the literal reading of this Article has two words; “without unreasonable restrictions.” The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only.A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard and Audio Services,Senate."
}