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"id": 1564011,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1564011/?format=api",
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"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. Cherarkey",
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"id": 13217,
"legal_name": "Cherarkey K Samson",
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"content": "Mr. Speaker, Sir, for the first time, I am proud of the statement of the Chairperson of the Senate’s Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee (JLHARC), where I did serve with distinction in the last Session, although I encountered some turbulence along the way. Mr. Speaker, Sir, in reference to the issue of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the reading of Article 93 is clear. That Parliament comprises both the Senate and the National Assembly. Yesterday, I was shocked when the National Assembly gave Notice for the public to submit memoranda to the National Assembly’s JLHARC. The election is a matter of national concern. Members of Parliament (MPs), which is the Senate and the National Assembly, are the representatives of the people. Previously, we have done joint vetting of the Inspector General of Police and joint independent services. Why is it that the National Assembly wants to frustrate the Senate by purporting that only they can vet the IEBC? I, therefore, would like to thank JLHARC for standing strong. I would also like to challenge the House leadership and SBC where you sit as the Chairperson, that I am aware that there are a number of legislations from this House that are being strategically frustrated by the National Assembly because they fear to implement the Constitution. Looking at the amendment of the Regulations in 2013, the Senate was not supposed to be party because we were never in existence. So, after 2013, when the Senate came into force and as it is in Article 93, the role of vetting of IEBC should be a joint Committee of the Senate and National Assembly JLHARC. Even when you read under Article 88 on establishment of IEBC, we should not allow the National Assembly to vet on their own, the IEBC Chairperson and commissioners. Mr. Speaker, Sir, we are not short of weapons to use to ensure that the voice of the Senate, which is the voice of the people is heard, including the possibility of seeking the legal interventions in the courts of law. I, therefore, agree with the Committee of the JLHARC and say kudos for the good job. We have been taken for a ride by the National Assembly for far too long, yet we are also elected by Kenyans. More so, we cover more in this country. Therefore, the issue of IEBC concerns both Houses of Parliament and Kenyans as alike. The National Assembly must withdraw the notice that they have issued in public for memorandum to be submitted until we jointly agree as a House, so that we can do vetting of the IEBC Chairperson and commissioners, knowing the urgency of the matter. 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 and AudioServices, Senate."
}