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{
    "id": 384699,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/384699/?format=api",
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    "content": "again have reaffirmed this position, that, for us, it is not a question of supremacy. It is about the discharge of our functions in a manner that is prescribed in the Constitution. Therefore, just to ascribe to what Sen. Orengo has said, we are described as “Parliament” in the Constitution. The National Assembly and the Senate as a unit is described as “Parliament”. Over the last couple of months, since the inception of these two houses, we have to say that the truth must be said. The National Assembly has run into one battle after another. It is not in our interest to have any arm of Parliament to be discredited. This is also not in the interest of this nation. Parliaments, by nature, are vehicles for accountability. Once you discredit and delegitimize your authority before the eyes of the public, your capacity to hold people accountable is severely diminished. Therefore, we are calling for the intervention of the President because it is the right thing to do in the circumstances, not because there is too much money that the Senators allocated. If this country feels that Kshs48 billion, in excess, to our county governments is a lot of money, then it demonstrates a lack of commitment towards devolution. Therefore, I follow in the footsteps of those who have spoken before us. It is not for the Presidency to convene anybody to sort out the cash row within the counties. The systems provided for in the Constitution are self perpetuating and they can intervene, mediate and also have a solution towards the overall resolution of this matter. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I join hands and commend your wisdom. Time and again I have pointed this out that there are young hon. Senators in this House just as there are young hon. Members of Parliament in the other House and the country looks up to us for leadership and judgment. Despite our youthfulness, we have decided to exercise judgment and leadership. It is not enough to be young; it is enough to provide leadership. Whatever your age, that is the calling of the society at this point in time. President Uhuru is also a young President. This is a time for judgment. As Sen. Murkomen had intimated, the abolition of the first system of federalism was under the Senior Kenyatta. We do not want to see the undermining of the second wave of devolution under the Junior Kenyatta. It will be ironical for this country. He has an opportunity to defend devolution because it is the right way to go and the aspiration of the people of Kenya. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I also commend all the views given by Sen. Wako over the weekend. In addition to that meeting, some of our committees, like the one chaired by Sen. Murkomen and other committees must also appear to speak with one voice, so that we have a joint position moving forward in addition to what the Speaker has said. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir."
}