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{
    "id": 208875,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/208875/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 309,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Ms. Karua",
    "speaker_title": "The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 166,
        "legal_name": "Martha Wangari Karua",
        "slug": "martha-karua"
    },
    "content": " Mr. Speaker, Sir, there has been little or no debate on this Bill. But on the few things that have been said, I reply thus: Mr. Speaker, Sir, it is an exaggeration and not a correct position to claim that every time there have been constitutional amendments in this country, they have been preceded by negotiations. This only occurred in 1997 when we called for an IPPG, of which the hon. Member for Kabete was not member. That is the only time we negotiated on two clauses; Section 82 to remove discrimination on the basis of sex and Section 33 to ensure gender parity in the nomination of the 12 Members. This is the clause that has brought the many Nominated Members of Parliament, including the hon. Member who is asking me to withdraw this Bill. The time has come for this Bill. Let those who can stand up for women be counted, but the Government will not withdraw the Bill before this House. The Constitution has been amended to increase constituencies on three occasions: First, in 1966 when the Senate was abolished and constituencies increased and in 1987. On both occasions, it is the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) that consulted Kenyans, and the Government of the day tabled the recommendations. The review of constituencies has never occurred in this country following negotiations by Members of Parliament. Let it be on record that this is not the way it is done and hon. Members should not mislead the country. The last time the constituencies were increased was in 1991 and there were no negotiations. Again, the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) made recommendations and the Government of the day tabled the recommendations. So, the matter is properly before the House. Those supposedly calling for dialogue are hiding behind excuses. The real reason is opposition to the 50 seats for women. Let the truth be told. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, regarding the Constitutional Review---"
}