{"id":577927,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/577927/?format=json","text_counter":43,"type":"speech","speaker_name":"Hon. Ng’ongo","speaker_title":"","speaker":{"id":110,"legal_name":"John Mbadi Ng'ong'o","slug":"john-mbadi"},"content":"Thank you, Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker for giving me this opportunity to contribute to the amendment to the Constitution of Kenya by Hon. Peter Kaluma. I see three proposed amendments to the Constitution. The first one is an attempt to amend Article 117 of the Constitution, which will bring clarity in terms of giving immunity to a Member of Parliament in the discharge of its functions as a legislator. A Member of Parliament will not be liable to an action, or suit, in respect of anything done or omitted to be done in good faith in the lawful performance of a function of Parliament. I know that at the moment Parliament has passed an Act of Parliament to provide immunity. However, I think this is elevating it a little further to make it constitutional, so that if you discharge your function as a Member of Parliament in good faith, then you should not be held accountable for that action, especially if you do it within the precincts of Parliament. I think that is in tandem with other jurisdictions in the world. I agree entirely that the three arms of Government need to be allowed to discharge their functions and responsibilities without interference from another organ. I have been reluctant when I see the Judiciary sometimes interfering with the functions of Parliament and vice versa. I would not like to see Parliament, for instance, directing the Judiciary on what it should do. I have 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."}