{"id":586639,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/586639/?format=json","text_counter":46,"type":"speech","speaker_name":"Hon. Ethuro","speaker_title":"The Speaker","speaker":{"id":158,"legal_name":"Ekwee David Ethuro","slug":"ekwee-ethuro"},"content":" Order, Members! I do not only speak good English, but I also read and understand English. There are certain usages in English and law that result in compulsion and options. That is a fact. In any case, Sen. Wetangula, I believe you may be a senior lawyer to your Whip in many respects. Standing Order No. 25(1) says: “The Speaker may, after consultation with the Senate Majority Leader and the Senate Minority Leader, allow a visiting Head of State or such other visiting dignitary, to address the Senate.” I am already done with Sen. Wangari. I am now addressing Sen. Ong’era. She is absolutely right. That was my understanding, our reading and that is why we felt Standing Order No.25(1) – this was a matter for Sen. Khaniri – referred to the Senate. That is why we used Standing Order No. 25(2) which is referring to a Joint Sitting of the two Houses. It does not make any reference to the Senate Majority or Minority Leader, contrary to my own expectations. By the way, I do not have a problem working with the leadership of the House. I know they will always grant it just as the Senate Minority Leader has confirmed this afternoon. Surely, under those circumstances, do we really need to continue debating on a matter that we seem to be agreeable?"}