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{
    "id": 590760,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/590760/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 60,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Speaker",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Hon. Members, I must make this absolutely clear that even as currently constituted in our current Powers and Privileges Act, the speakers chair the Committees of Powers and Privileges. They may only chair as Article 122 of the Constitution clearly states; that the speakers have no votes. It is true that the report that came before the House and the minutes will show that I fully participated as I am required to. Indeed, I signed the report that proposed the amendment by way of deletion of various clauses; including, but not limited to Clauses 27 and 34. It is also fair to say that Clause 35 of that Bill is a general penalty clause so that people may not say that it is only targeting a particular group of Kenyans or people. It is a general penalty clause. In the thinking of the Committee, the offensive clauses were mainly Clauses 27 and 34. I can merely have an opinion. The Constitution has said that I should not vote, however strongly held the opinion may be. I can only sit here and witness those opinions that I hold very dearly, voted against. That is our constitutional architecture. I should not be heard to complain. But I should allow the House to take its decisions in whatever manner, notwithstanding the views that I hold. They are merely my own views. Therefore, in response to the points raised by the hon. Members, acting not under Standing Order 1, as requested by Hon. Chepkong’a, but acting under Standing Order 139, I would defer the putting of Question in Third Reading of this Bill, and refer this matter to the House Business Committee (HBC), to make a decision after reflecting on all the issues; and make a decision as to when the Question in the Third reading will be put."
}