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{
    "id": 158722,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/158722/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 152,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. Bahari",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 156,
        "legal_name": "Abdul Bahari Ali Jillo",
        "slug": "bahari-ali-jillo"
    },
    "content": "Mr. Speaker, Sir, this House was recalled through the Kenya Gazette. That was sufficient notice for anybody who was interested in the business of the House to consult and then agree on what was required of them. This House was formally opened on 21st April 2009. At that point, in accordance with Standing Order No.18 (2), you required the Leader of Government Business to lay the Speech of the President on the Table, which he did. If anybody, again, was interested in the welfare of Kenyans, then they should have raised an issue at that particular point, but that was not raised. We are now being dragged back. Mr. Speaker, Sir, we have heard the arguments of our lawyers who have been trying to interpret the Constitution and the Standing Orders. If they are very keen on doing that, they can go and seek constitutional interpretation in court and have that matter settled there, because they are making reference to constitutional matters. The matter that has been brought to the Floor of the House is one that the Government should have decided on. Because they were unable to decide or agree, this matter was brought to your attention unnecessarily. Mr. Speaker, Sir, you are in a privileged position. In that privileged position of yours, I am sure you would not want to be dragged into unnecessary debate, because the law does not say at any point that the House shall decide who the Leader of Government Business will be. It is said that the “Government” is the one to decide who is to be the Leader of Government Business. It does not say that it is the House to do so. The House and your leadership have now been dragged into this matter. I tend to agree with the hon. Members who say that we should proceed with the list of Members, so that this House can have its business transacted. If the Government still continues with its confusion, then you can invoke Standing Order No.1, because the word “Government” has not been defined in the Constitution or the Standing Orders. Therefore, there is a gap in understanding what the Government is, or maybe a different interpretation. In the circumstances, then you can now invoke Standing Order No.1 and move this country forward in your privileged position. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir."
}