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{
    "id": 33730,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/33730/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 12,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. Speaker",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Hon. Members, the individual privileges in the context of Parliament include freedom of speech, freedom from arrest in civil process and the privileges relating to persons summoned as witnesses. Underlying the doctrine of parliamentary privilege is the justification that these privileges are necessary for the conduct of Legislatures’ business and that, for that to be effective Parliament must enjoy a certain autonomy from control by the Executive and the Judiciary. The basic concept underlying parliamentary privilege is the need to ensure so far as possible that a Member of the Legislature and witnesses before Committees of the House can speak freely without fear, that what they will say will later be held against them in court. This freedom of speech is conferred for the benefit of the parliamentary system with the purpose of safeguarding the integrity and effectiveness of this key democratic body. Hon. Members, be that as it may, I wish to inform you that my office is in contact with the former Member for Kisumu Town East, Mr. Sungu, who has informed me that he has filed a notice of appeal against the ruling by the learned judge and that he intends to proceed to the Court of Appeal and challenge the entire decision by Justice Kalpana Rawal. The former hon. Member has also written to my office reiterating generally the matters raised by Mr. Olago and requesting for assistance by Parliament. Considering that the former Member for Kisumu Town East Constituency has already preferred an appeal against the judgment by the learned judge, I do not find that the interest of justice would be served by a pronouncement by the Speaker on this matter at this time, conscious as I am, that the matter is sub judice . I, therefore, stay my ruling on the matter to allow the former hon. Member to pursue the legal processes to their logical conclusions. I do, however, reserve the right to pronounce myself, as sought by this House, at the appropriate time. May I add that since completion of this Communication, this matter has been raised before the Parliamentary Service Commission and that it is considering various options at its disposal among them, as to whether or not Parliament can come to the aid of the former hon. Member in whatever manner."
}