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{
    "id": 580106,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/580106/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 237,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Keynan",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 41,
        "legal_name": "Adan Wehliye Keynan",
        "slug": "adan-keynan"
    },
    "content": "Bill provides a modus operandi by saying that the relevant House of Parliament shall have all the powers necessary for inquiring into and pronouncing upon any Act or matter constituting a breach of value by an hon. Member. Secondly, an inquiry of the relevant House shall not preclude criminal investigation. That is an important inclusion in this Bill. Thirdly, where the relevant House finds that an hon. Member has committed a breach of privilege, the relevant House may, in addition to any other penalty to which the Member may be liable, act on this particular aspect. The relevant House can do this by giving the Member a formal warning, a reprimand, asking the Member to apologise, withholding privileges or met out any specific punishment like removal or suspension from the precincts of Parliament for a specific period or issuing fines that may be prescribed. This is something that one needs to appreciate. It was not there simply because Members of Parliament are also being scrutinized because of what they do not only within their oversight mandate, but also outside as human beings. This issue shall also be addressed. Finally, Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker, what I want to say as an individual, experienced and long serving legislator to the members of the Fourth Estate - and I want this to be quoted - is this:- It is not the intention of Keynan; it is not the intention of the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) to gag members of the Fourth Estate. For me, I am a true believer in the functions and the right to inform members of the public. To an extent, I believe members of the Fourth Estate are one of the emerging arms of Government which we need to appreciate. Therefore, I want to tell them that I will not participate or permit any clause that negates that. That is why I call it a deliberative House. We will debate any sections that offend. They must also allow Members of Parliament to debate. Members of Parliament should not be criticized for debating. This is a deliberative House. Where they have issues, please bring them to the Speaker. They are brought whenever they are there. Where they have issues, they are brought to me. Where they have issues, they can consult any other Member of Parliament. Eventually, every Member will have the right to exercise his or her jurisdiction and vote for what they feel is good for Kenya and the people of Kenya. Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker, with those many remarks, I beg to move that this Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Bill be read the Second Time. Thank you."
}