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{
    "id": 196650,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/196650/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 68,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. Linturi",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 69,
        "legal_name": "Franklin Mithika Linturi",
        "slug": "franklin-linturi"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. I stand on a point of order. I would like to refer to Standing Order No.1 which says:- \"In all cases where matters are not expressly provided for by the Standing Orders or by other Orders of the House, procedural questions shall be decided by the Speaker.\" I understand that you have ruled that this is a unique time in this country. However, I am seeking your opinion on the following matters. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, bearing in mind that Kenya is a multiparty democracy as envisioned in our laws, and considering that on 13th April, 2008, the President and Mr. Raila, under the National Accord and Reconciliation Act, having complied with Cap.7 Section 17(5) of laws of Kenya, formed a Grand Coalition Cabinet, and the fact that the Orange Democratic Movement became part of the Government, there was left a lacuna in terms of who would take up the role of official opposition in this House. There is no political party that qualifies to be the Official Opposition party in this House. Standing Order No.172(2) says:- \"All seats in the Front Benches of the Chamber to the left of the Speaker shall be reserved for Leaders of Opposition Parties and Members of the Official Opposition Party designated as having responsibility in particular matters.\" Standing Orders 147(1) and 148(1) provide for the formation of the Parliamentary Watchdog Committees which should be headed by the Official Opposition. The Official April 15, 2008 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 431 Opposition should not have a majority of Members in the House as opposed to the party that formed the Government. I am apprehensive that, if you do not give us a considered opinion on the way forward regarding the formation of these Watchdog Committees, then the Committees may be used by the President and Mr. Raila to reward their cronies and people who did not get Cabinet appointments!"
}