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{
    "id": 43817,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/43817/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 1018,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Ms. Karua",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 166,
        "legal_name": "Martha Wangari Karua",
        "slug": "martha-karua"
    },
    "content": "Mr. Chairman, I rise to oppose the amendment for the simple reason that we are running away from over concentration of power. Even the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is not made up of angels. When you over concentrate powers, and give them the right to determine who conducts elections in Kenya, that is the beginning of evil because power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. I agree with those who want to remove any political manipulation in the process and, therefore, want to delete the participation of both principals in the selection. But we need to diversify. If it is a body nominating, the JSC can be given two, if at all. Whichever three or four bodies we choose, we can distribute the seven people to reputable bodies. The Association of Professional Societies in East Africa is the umbrella body for all professions. It has more than 20 professions in it. It is representative of the Kenyan professional societies. If it is given three members--- If we put a clause, and my amendment is drafted, which tells them to observe gender, regional and ethnic diversity as it is written in other sections of the Constitution, then we will be on a better and safer path than when we give the chance to one body like the JSC. Mr. Chairman, the second reason why I am opposing is that when you give the chance to the JSC to nominate everyone, you then undermine the authority of the court that will hear disputes. It is a creature exclusively of the JSC; we are destroying the impartiality of the court that will hear the matter. Remember the Chief Justice is the chair of the JSC. But if they merely nominate one or two of the panel of seven, then their impartiality will not be destroyed. I urge hon. Members that, let us not be in a hurry to do something that may be counterproductive. Let us balance. I can see there are genuine efforts by the House to come up with a good mix, but let us weigh so that that mix is not wrong. I beg to oppose."
}