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{
    "id": 505968,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/505968/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 57,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Khaniri",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 171,
        "legal_name": "George Munyasa Khaniri",
        "slug": "george-khaniri"
    },
    "content": "Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Constitution of Kenya gives Parliament three broad responsibilities. The first responsibility is legislation; where we make laws for the country and laws that have to be abided to by every citizen and institution. The second responsibility is representation, where we represent our counties and our colleagues in the “Lower House” represent their constituencies. The third broad responsibility is oversight; a very important responsibility. It is because of the third responsibility of oversight that Article 125 was put in our Constitution. This is the power to call for evidence. For those who may not be very familiar with this, Article 125 (1) of the Constitution, says that either House of Parliament and any of its Committees, like the one that Sen. Yusuf Haji chairs, has the power to summon any person, including Cabinet Secretaries and Governors to appear before it for the purpose of giving evidence or providing information. Article 125 (2) says:- “For the purposes of clause (1), a House of Parliament and any of its committees has the same powers as the High Court.” I have never heard of any people, anywhere, who do not honour the summons of a high court. This Constitution gives us the same powers as the High Court of this country. I appreciate that you have led us in following the rule of law and adhering to the Constitution to the letter. We appreciate that fact and support you fully. This is a constitution that was overwhelmingly passed by Kenyans in the Referendum and we stand behind you. Assert yourself and ensure that the Constitution is adhered to. As long as we are following the rule of law, at the end of the day, history will judge us correctly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir."
}