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{
    "id": 618068,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/618068/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 256,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Muthama",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 96,
        "legal_name": "Johnson Nduya Muthama",
        "slug": "johnson-muthama"
    },
    "content": "Mr. Deputy Speaker Sir, I looked at this Bill and quickly moved to consult the Mover. I raised certain issues with Sen. Sijeny. Those of us who were involved with the new Constitution that is in place at the Kenya Institute of Education (KIE), we had an extremely difficult time sorting out how our sisters and mothers in this country would be accommodated in the new Constitution, in terms of having their positions in leadership. We were faced with a very crucial position. Despite the fact that we need the two- thirds to be either of one gender and one-third of the other, the challenge was on who was going to set aside and do zoning in the whole country, for example, with 47 seats of the Senators and 47 seats of the governors and 290 MPs, not considering bringing up the issue of Members of the County Assemblies. There was no one corner of this country that was ready to be zoned and be classified as an area that would allow a woman representative to be elected. Looking at this Bill, it is just asking the same thing. The Constitution is very clear that one-third of either gender should be there. However, it is the mechanism of working on this that matters. When we talk about special seats, are we truly raising the issue to do with just women being given the special seats which amounts to one-third for them to qualify and feel accommodated? To achieve that, how do we go about it? That is why the 47 women representatives to the National Assembly were created in every county to see whether we would have the leverage that gives women an advantage in this country. It was now up to the same group of our mothers and sisters to face the electorate and convince them that they can be elected and have that number. If we do not want to apply a dictatorial system we must move out from saying this group should be favored against this group. I agree with 47 seats. However, if this Bill proposes additional seats to be set aside, even if it is two women representatives, then that is workable. How would you go to the people of Machakos and tell them not to elect the aggressive and able Sen. Muthama or ask him to step aside for a woman to be elected? That does not work. Let us just face the challenges and apply democracy with an open mind. It is true that we need women and want them to participate. We could suggest that- --"
}