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{
    "id": 576276,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/576276/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 151,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Wandayi",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 2960,
        "legal_name": "James Opiyo Wandayi",
        "slug": "james-opiyo-wandayi"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to contribute to this important Bill. At the outset, I oppose this proposed Bill. This is one of the most unpopular Bills that one can ever think of in this country. The question of the election date is such an important matter that it cannot be treated casually. The Constitution is very clear that elections will be held on a specific date in the month of August, in the fifth year of every term of Parliament. It is also important for us to think of the matter of conflict of interest. Even if the reasons advanced were correct, the fact that current Members of Parliament would be beneficiaries of this proposed amendment makes it untenable for the people of Kenya to accept such a proposal. I would have been happier if this proposal was meant to take effect in the life of the next Parliament, where current Members would not be the beneficiaries. The third issue is the matter of the current Government. The Government here refers to the Executive, the Judiciary and the Legislature. Kenyans are already fatigued with the current Government. They want to get rid of the current Government at the earliest possible opportunity. Kenyans would not want to give the current Government an extra day in office. This Government includes the Legislature, which we are a part of. Therefore, for us to sit here and pretend that we are doing something which is going to be beneficial to Kenyans without seeking their mandate would be defeatist. I also subscribe to the view that if you want to change the election date, which in effect changes the term of the President, you need the views of the people. The people of Kenya need to speak to this matter, and the only way is through a referendum. I see us getting into murky waters if we continue in this manner. Otherwise, the issues advanced of the budgetary cycle are issues which can be sorted out through amendments to the various Acts of Parliament. We cannot be held hostage by the budgetary cycle. We can change the cycle and make the budget in February. What makes it difficult for us to make the budget in February in an election year? The same applies to the matter of education. That can also be addressed in a manner that is proactive. Finally, there is the issue of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). My view is that when we are debating this matter; let us divorce ourselves from the matter of IEBC. That issue can be addressed separately in a manner that is consistent with the Constitution and the wishes of the people of Kenya. With those few remarks, I oppose the Bill. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}