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{
    "id": 194882,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/194882/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 224,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Ms. Karua",
    "speaker_title": "The Minister for Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 166,
        "legal_name": "Martha Wangari Karua",
        "slug": "martha-karua"
    },
    "content": "So, that is why I am supporting the move, but also putting it on record that it cannot be operational while the Grand Coalition, which we all unanimously passed, exists. We all supported the idea of the National Accord. Let us, therefore, move very cautiously. Why did we support the idea of the National Accord? I stood here to say that the clauses were sitting awkwardly in the May 7, 2008 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 895 Constitution, but they were necessary and are still necessary. For us to cross the bridge and to bring the fundamental changes that we are seeking to bring; to be able to undertake constitutional review in 12 months; and to be able to undertake fundamental legal reforms, we still need to be together. Therefore, does that mean that we do not have an Opposition in Parliament? The Opposition is there and hon. Members are still interrogating Parliament. The only status that may not be acquired under the law at the moment is the status of Official Opposition. However, that does not mean that debate is curtailed. We still expect, as Members of the Executive, to be kept on our toes by a vibrant Back Bench. \"Mr. Speaker, Sir---\" I cannot believe that I am saying \"Mr. Speaker\" instead of Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker. It is a slip of the tongue and we would want to see Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker sit there more often so that we get used to saying that. What is happening at the moment is that there is no Official Opposition in Parliament or the formalised Opposition is actually in operation. We have to admit that. It is not an ideal situation. That is why we all have to work hard to ensure that we reach the threshold we wanted, which is the overhaul of the Constitution so that we can usher in a new social order and say, never again shall we go through what we underwent and shall we be forced to consolidate ourselves so as to be with a House with a structured Opposition. I want to admit that an Opposition is an absolute necessity. If we did not have challengers in our own respective constituencies, we can forget that we account to the people. We would actually not work hard. There will be no competition. The idea of competition in life is what puts the standards up. I want to appreciate, and I know the Government that I represent here today appreciates the absolute necessity for an Opposition in any Parliament. We simply cannot have a multiparty democracy where we do not have different voices speaking and, therefore, competing ideas that can help us raise the bar. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, there is nothing much to say because as to what the Members have said, I find nothing disagreeable. I would only appreciate the contribution, but, again, re-emphasize that this noble idea, even the law, if it were to be passed, cannot operate in the circumstances we are in until our Constitution is overhauled. This is because of the National Accord and Reconciliation Act together with the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, the status is that we cannot have our cake and eat it. We cannot have a Grand Opposition and a Grand Coalition Government. However, it is absolutely necessary that we prepare ourselves to continue growing our nascent democracy. I beg to support with those reservations."
}