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{
    "id": 301193,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/301193/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 269,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Dr. Khalwale",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 170,
        "legal_name": "Bonny Khalwale",
        "slug": "bonny-khalwale"
    },
    "content": "On a point of order, Mr. Speaker, Sir. Now that you have given that ruling, there is an area where we fail as Back-Benchers and you should help us a little especially in light of OrderNo.9 - the Value Added Tax (VAT) Bill. What is disturbing me about this Bill is that when I look at the Constitution and specifically Article 47(2), it provides that if the Government is carrying out administrative action, and if that action will adversely affect Kenyans, then it is incumbent upon the Government to make sure that it gives a written notice to Kenyans on why it is carrying out the administrative action. I say this because when I look at Article 43(1) (c), it actually identifies some of the items listed in the VAT as fundamental rights. If you allow me, I will look at Article 43(1) (c) which provides that every person has the right to be free from hunger and to have adequate food of acceptable quality. Because of this administrative action of imposing VAT on basic things like foodstuffs, it will obviously affect this provision of Articles 47 and 43. We would like you to help us so that long before this matter is brought before us, as the representatives of the people to speak on behalf of them, the public is given adequate notice, they invite and lobby us. Otherwise, in an election year, I do not want to commit suicide by asking Kenyans to pay more for food, school fees and medication. Where will the money come from or is the Government attempting to raise funds to fund the election because they seem to have many problems up to and including things like awarding the tender for the IEBC? They have to come clear because we are lost."
}