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{
    "id": 491613,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/491613/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 233,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
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    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, the Bill sets out a very clear guideline and gives what the privileges are. This will give the MCAs the confidence to deliver. They will not be arrested within the precincts of the assemblies and held accountable when they make statements which need to be made, but may not be palatable to many people. The Bill also sets out very clearly the self-regulatory requirements; whenever somebody is given privileges, there must be some way to regulate them. The self-regulation through the Powers and Privileges Committee sets out very clearly how a Member will be held accountable in case he or she abuses these powers and privileges, which are given by virtue of being an MCA. It sets out very clearly the breaches in Clauses 26, 27, 28 and 29. So, one is aware that if he or she does this, then they will have to be answerable. Also, it gives the county assemblies powers to actually self-regulate their own Members so that they do not misuse these powers and privileges against Kenyans who may sometimes not be in a position to defend themselves. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, in performing their duties, it also gives them powers to summon witnesses so that whoever is in possession of any information has to provide that information in the interest of the bigger population. It gives the county assembly and its committees the powers of the High Court to summon any witness who they find necessary for the purpose of performing their work. It also shows very clearly how these powers and privileges will be enforced. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I fully support this Bill. I hope that it will be passed and transmitted to the county assemblies so that they can enjoy these powers and privileges and perform their duties better, taking into account the psychology of Kenyans that the county assemblies are still the old county councils. There must be something to cause that change of mind and I think that this is one of the tools. Thank you."
}