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"content": "We are aware that there is an injunction against the Senate proceeding on that particular matter. If we continue with the current trend of events, virtually, every function of this House will be injuncted by the courts. These are just a few of the cases affecting the Senate. As mentioned, we have 16 cases in our courts relating to the Senate in one way or another. We are aware that we are limited in terms of the resources that are available for us to be present and participate in each and every case that is filed against us. These are only 16 cases within a short time. This means that as we progress to handle our issues, we will be faced with many more court cases. Therefore, we need to sit down, think and find an avenue. That is why it is important for us to have this ad hoc committee that will monitor and assess the impact of these cases. Where we think that it is important for the Senate to be represented, we do not lose that opportunity. However, where we think we may not strongly need that representation, we are able to monitor, assess and get sound advice to the Senate on how to participate in the cases. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am aware that most of the names given in this ad hoc Committee are Members of the Standing Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights. However, it is important to note that this is a specific engagement for six months. This is a period in which we shall look at all those cases and monitor the impact. We need key persons as included in this list. Sen. (Prof.) Kithure Kindiki is not a Member of the Legal Affairs Committee, but as the Senate Majority Leader and in his capacity as a distinguished lawyer, we need him there. The Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Wetangula, is not a Member of the Standing Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights, but we need his expertise in this committee. Sen. Orengo is not a Member of the Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee, but his expertise is needed. The same applies to our Majority Whip, Sen. Elachi and Sen. (Dr.) Zani. Therefore, whereas we appreciate that some of the responsibilities of the ad hoc Committee could be undertaken by the Standing Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights, I want to persuade this House to look at the wisdom in having a little more of this Members, especially the Senate Majority Leader, the Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Orengo, Sen. Elachi, Sen. (Dr.) Zani and, most importantly, the Chairperson of CPAIC, Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale. With the composition we are proposing, this task force will undertaken monitoring some of these court cases and carry out activities that we have already engaged behind the curtains to try and reach out to the courts. The chairperson of this proposed committee, Sen. Wako, has been tasked on several occasions to reach out to the courts. I want to appreciate that this committee will explore other avenues. Those of us who sat in last weekend’s meeting of the various chairpersons of committees and leaders of the House, we discussed and agreed that whereas we have the hard power and the law to pursue and the Constitution, sometimes pursuing through soft power reaching out to these institutions, discussing and having round table discussions, is crucial. This committee will help us undertake some of those responsibilities. 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."
}