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{
    "id": 484095,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/484095/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 196,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
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    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Mr. Speaker, Sir, we are sitting here as well to ensure that devolution succeeds. We do not condone people who are going to deal with matters of hate. We want devolution--- In fact, Article 174 says that devolution must lead to the unity of this Republic. It says that because resources have gone to the local level, devolution gives an opportunity of equalization of this nation so that marginalized areas can feel like they are home; they can feel that they have a government they can call their own government; that the locals can see opportunities that were impossible to access because the centre was too concentrated and congested by a few men and women who felt like they are controlling Nairobi. So, the people of Kenya said let these jobs go to Elgeyo-Marakwet County; let these contracts go to Machakos County; let these opportunities go to the local level so that, at least, the people at the local level can pride themselves that they have an opportunity to see a person being hired at the local level; to see a person working within and among the community and see that if you can work for the Machakos County, you can work for the national Government because it becomes an escalated opportunity from the local to the national level. So, Mr. Speaker, Sir, as we sit here, it will be sad if we were to say “Oh, we are condoning hate speech or we are condoning tribalism.” We hate tribalism and hate speech. But in the same manner, we must be convinced that when we are dealing with matters that affect an individual, the evidence provided before us must be convincing enough so that as a House, when we make the decision, we make a decision that is nearly unanimous. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I am shocked that the Committee has come to the House divided. It is a little bit shocking. I feel like because the whole country is watching, it is not only Mr. Kiala who is on trial; it is the Senate also which is on trial. As we retreat back to think through and make a decision, we must make a decision that will assist the whole House to move together. If it was possible for us to make a joint decision, it would be a happy moment. But it seems like the court in Kirinyaga made a very valid decision, which I agree with and which agrees with my submissions in the Wambora situation; that the decision of impeaching a public officer by this House is the decision of individual Senators, sitting as a Senate, thinking as a Senate and imagining as a judge in this situation – and which we shall do this evening – whether the charges that are before us are convincing enough to make that decision. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the reason why I am standing here is to tell the country that as a Senate, we will remain mature enough to make decisions for posterity that will not put our House into shame. Even if the decision was to be taken to court, it will not put this House into disrepute for someone to imagine that I will go to the Senate of the Republic of Kenya and get injustice. So, I will retreat back to my seat; I will listen there and give a chance to the Deputy Governor, because I was not in the Special Committee. When he makes his final submission, I will make a small prayer and make up my decision. With that, Mr. Speaker, Sir, I conclude and I thank you."
}