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    "id": 65402,
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    "content": "in the administration of justice and reform of the judicial system. Again, you will find that in Clause 35. Unknown to the country, Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker – and I say so with confidence – when the Judiciary is hearing cases; when the Attorney-General or the prosecutor is preparing charges; when the prison authorities are dealing with prisoners; when the police are investigating crime, there is no common trend in this country and, therefore, by introducing the National Council on the Administration of Justice comprising everybody, including the private sector, we are hoping that we will have a co- ordinated approach to this very, very important area of the administration of justice. Finally, Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, the Bill also proposes a transparent and competitive process for promotions, transfers, confirmation and termination of appointment of judicial officers and staff and other judges. Again, this is something unheard of in Kenya. You will find that in Clause 32 of the Bill as read with the provisions of the Third Schedule. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, you will recall that during the radical surgery, the country was subjected to allegations that a judge was involved in sexual harassment of members of staff. There were allegations that judges were being transferred for reasons other than the purposes of justice. We are aware of situations in which a judge of Kenya ended up resigning, although he was a foreigner, partly because he was transferred in circumstances that suggested that he was being punished. In fact, in that particular situation, the wife was caught driving the judge’s car and instead of using some other methods, the judge was then subjected to arbitrary transfer. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, allow me also to mention that the Bill is a product of extremely extensive stakeholder consultation as is evidenced by the Report of the Taskforce on Judicial Reforms chaired by honorable Mr. Justice William Ouko, whom I wish to thank. I have already tabled that document before this House. But, above all, allow me also to refer to the Report of the International Legal Assistance Consortium that visited Kenya in February, 2010, and this was through the International Legal Assistance Consortium of the International Bar Association, Human Rights Institute together with the Law Society. They published a report in February, 2010. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, the bulk of the recommendations that appear in this Bill have taken account of all these reports and I, therefore, without any hesitation whatsoever and without any fear, recommend this law to my wonderful country. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, allow me to quote a book written in 1850 by a Frenchman called Mr. Frederic Bastiat, which has formed the basis of debate all over the world. It says:-"
}