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{
    "id": 494008,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/494008/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 95,
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    "content": "If you want to carry a sword because somebody is making a statement that is uncomfortable with you, that is your own cross. I will stand in this Senate and speak my mind at all times, without fear or intimidation. I will debate it as I think right and stand by my statements, not just here, but outside this Parliament at any time and not just in this dispensation. It is a pity that I am giving my contribution when my colleague, Sen. Keter, is out of the Chamber. This is because he reminded me of what happened in the Tenth Parliament. Thirdly, politics is about perception. The President did something very interesting by giving us the impression that he handed over power to his Deputy. To be honest, I am not still convinced that he handed over any instruments of power. But let me be honest that he is a very shrewd politician, because politics is about perception. To ordinary minds that wanted to see that power was handed over, it was a very smart move because it built a lot of strength and security in the minds that thought that the President was out of the country. We saw a ceremony of handing over of power. However, I am yet to be convinced by anybody that any serious instrument of power was handed over. Was it the fleet or the limousine? I am also not convinced that the President needed to hand over any power to anybody even for one minute, one day or whatever. The Constitution is very clear on what happens when a Head of State leaves. It is enshrined in the Constitution that when he steps out of the country, his Deputy takes over temporarily. So, he was not doing anything that was unconstitutional or a surprise. Having said that, I want us to be honest; stop looking at people sitting on this side as though they were not Kenyans. Stop looking at the Opposition as if they are just dropped from somewhere. The Opposition is recognized by the Constitution of this country. Whether or not you recognize it, as an individual, the Constitution is supreme and superior. You need to have the strength of character to accept and appreciate constructive criticism. You do not have to take issue with anybody who is in the Opposition. You listened to Sen. Keter with whom we were in the Opposition for ten years. He is now in the other side. I respect that. Politics is very fluid. May be tomorrow, you will find yourself sitting where I am seated, and I will be seated where you are seated. I do not have to hate you and you do not have to hate me. Could we style up? In fact, those of you who are telling us to style up need to style up themselves. Know that we are in a democratic space where you can play your politics without having to really carry the extra burden of carrying a sword also with your politics. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, let us be very honest. We have a sizeable number of Senators who were with me in the Tenth Parliament, who supported The Hague process. Now you can sit pretty and say that some Kenyans dragged our President to The Hague. 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."
}