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{
    "id": 524783,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/524783/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 112,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Speaker",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Of course there was an omission “except his own office”, but it goes:- “(e) the accounts of the National Assembly, the Senate and the county assemblies; (f) the accounts of political parties funded from public funds; (g) the public debt; and, (h) the accounts of any other entity that legislation requires the Auditor- General to audit.” Now, those functions are not being interfered with even from what you are reading. You are saying that the proposed Bill contains clauses which may limit the Auditor-General in due execution of his functions under that Article. Is it not the reason why it is just a Bill? As the National Assembly, you are required to look through it and where you think the provisions are likely to infringe on those powers, you propose their deletion? In any event, it is both this House and the Senate which will consider this Bill so that if there is anything that you rightly think is likely to compromise the office, you propose their deletion. But we cannot say that the Bill should be withdrawn. Indeed, this Bill came from the consultations that the Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution (CIC) had. They are the ones who are supposed to present this Bill to us. So, I would advise that we proceed with the Bill as it is and propose amendments even by way of deletion of any provisions that in your view - I am sure your colleagues are people who care to know that the Committee of the whole House is a serious stage of a Bill - appear to compromise the independence of the Office of the Auditor-General. I am sure thereafter the Bill will be referred to the Senate for their consideration as well in the form that we, as the National Assembly, will have passed it so that they will give their input on it. If it passes in both Houses and people do not see the points that you are raising then it is unfortunate. But I would agree with you that clauses that may appear to compromise the independence of the Office of the Auditor-General should not be entertained. But of course that is merely my agreement with you. At the end of the day, you know I have no vote. Your own Constitution, Article 122(2)(a), says so. I will leave it to the good judgment of you hon. Members but I think it is important to pay attention to the points raised by hon. Ochieng."
}