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    "id": 491584,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/491584/?format=api",
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    "content": "When he escorted the Mace, that was the end of his freedom. He was detained and his political career truncated forever. Hon. Martin Shikuku came out of detention looking a sorry sight. Thank God he recovered and came back to this House. He was one of the most mercurial debaters this House has ever produced. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, there are very many examples. We had those days when Parliament was an extension of the Office of the President (OP). When a Member would finish debating here and as he stepped out there, there would be guys in dark glasses escorting him to the OP or to Nyayo House to go and answer questions. If we went that route, there will be no legislation, whether in the Senate, the Lower House or the county assemblies; Parliament will become rubber stamps. This reminds us of George Orwell’s novel; 1984, where characters that control others sit on the telescreen and watch whatever you are doing; and you could be visited by all manner of calamities if you say something they did not like. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, this is why the Powers and Privileges Act remains a beacon of security for MPs. We must give it to the MCAs. Of course, sometimes they are abused, but this remains the Floor where a Member could easily come with information that is incorrect or information that is not properly synthesized; or information that is even malicious. It can be malicious, but correct. If you have information, you have taken an oath to act and speak without fear or favour. You speak without fear or favour when you know that upon finishing your speech or your presentation here; or upon you making – as the Speaker or as the Chair – a ruling that some big brother out there does not like, you will still get out of this Chamber and go home in peace. That is how we can legislate, represent and debate well. The county assemblies, especially in counties with high stakes, like Nairobi, Mombasa and the big towns where real estate can cost you your life if you speak against the forces of impunity and those who fix and grab properties. They need protection and they need immunity. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, you can imagine a case where you make a statement on the Floor of this House and the next day, you are visited by a gentleman in dark The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate"
}