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{
    "id": 624124,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/624124/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 151,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Speaker",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Hon. Members, I do not think this is a matter that we need to spend a lot of time on save to point out that you must also appreciate the number of committees that the House has. Even as you talk about the percentages, it must have a bearing on the number of committees and the sharing of slots. In the committee of 19 members, CORD has seven members and the other coalition has 12 members. That must be something that the coalitions have worked on. Again, this ball is in the court of the leadership of the two coalitions. That is why Standing Order No.173 does not place that responsibility on the Speaker. I am not in a position to rule anything unconstitutional because our own Standing Orders say “as far as may be practical”. It is for the Committee on Selection and the leadership of the coalitions to sit and agree on the gender representation, including, if need be, reducing whatever gender is overrepresented. I hope Members will not complain that they have been de-whipped as appears to be now the latest way of dealing with people who voice their concerns. I hope that this will not affect Hon. Millie Odhiambo because she is raising a legitimate point under Article 27(8) of the Constitution. Remember that, proceeding from Article 27(8) of the Constitution, this House is required to ensure adherence to the principle under Article 81(b) of the Constitution that the electoral system shall ensure that no more than two-thirds of either gender is represented in any of the elective positions. When you vote here on this list, you are doing an election. So, it is the electoral system which you must think about. Is it possible to ensure that not more than two- thirds of either gender is represented in all elective positions in a fast-past-the-post electoral system? I do not know. Your guess could be as good as mine. Hon. Members, borrowing from the wisdom of Hon. Dalmas Otieno, the leadership of the coalitions should undertake – and I am happy Hon. Chris Wamalwa and Hon. Naomi Shaban are here – to go and consult. But for the purposes and reasons that Hon. Dalmas and the other contributors have explained, you need to make a decision on this Committee."
}