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{
    "id": 37343,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/37343/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 158,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. Olago",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 5,
        "legal_name": "John Olago Aluoch",
        "slug": "john-aluoch"
    },
    "content": "(1) There shall be freedom of speech and debate in Parliament. (2) Parliament may, for the purpose of the orderly and effective discharge of the business of Parliament, provide for powers, privileges and immunities of Parliament, its Committees, the Leader of Majority Party, the Leader of the Minority Party, the chairpersons of committees and Members. Mr. Speaker, Sir, that judgment arises from actions of Eric Gor Sungu as the Chairman of a Parliamentary Select Committee inquiring into the demise of the late hon. Dr. Robert Ouko. He is alleged to have uttered certain words within the precincts of Parliament that offended the plaintiff in that suite. The defence that was raised in the High Court is that those issues were privileged and they should not have been subject of a successful High Court suit. Mr. Speaker, Sir, in my own view, that judgment impacts so seriously on the privileges of this Parliament that if it is left the way it is, then the freedoms that we enjoy of speech in this House will be curtailed and suits will be filed. Suits will be filed in a flurry of activities against Members of Parliament. I am, therefore, asking that the Chair intervenes in giving directions on what line of action Parliament should take in that judgment so that Parliament is protected from the Judiciary. I also ask, with your permission, that because this matter touches on freedoms enjoyed by Members of Parliament, you give them a chance to ventilate before you issue your directions. Mr. Speaker, Sir, in my humble view, if this House is not extra vigilant and if it will not scrutinize these types of judgments and digest and interrogate them thoroughly, then Parliament is going to be an institution under threat. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the direction I wish to ask from you is that, having considered that judgment and views from Members of Parliament, may this matter be referred to the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) to find out ways and means of protecting the privileges of this Parliament? Thank you."
}