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{
    "id": 674741,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/674741/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 87,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Wakhungu",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 1889,
        "legal_name": "Chrisantus Wamalwa Wakhungu",
        "slug": "chrisantus-wamalwa-wakhungu"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker. I rise to support this Bill. I was wondering why the Senate took long to bring this Bill here. It has been long overdue; no wonder we have had chaos in the county assemblies. Article 117 of the Constitution provides for freedom of speech and debates in Parliament, the Senate and the National Assembly. At the county levels, we have county assemblies which play oversight and representation roles. When it comes to oversight, we must provide immunity against civil or criminal proceedings. This Bill has been long overdue and it is going to allow Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) to debate without fear or favour. This Bill has heavily been borrowed from Article 125 of the Constitution, which clearly stipulates that a House of Parliament or a Committee has powers to summon anybody anywhere for purposes of evidence and information. As we speak, when you go to the Senate, they have been summoning governors but they have not been appearing. We know that a lot of funds have been devolved. A lot of misappropriation is taking place. Corruption has also been devolved. It is indeed important to understand that when it comes to matters of the county, the buck stops with the governors. If they are summoned it is because these Committees enjoy powers like those of the High Court. If in one way or the other a governor does not appear before a Committee of the Senate, summons must be given. We are calling upon the Senate to move with speed and summon the particular governors who have refused to appear before its Public Account Committee (PAC). Having powers like those of the High Court will help us. We have some criminals who take off to oversees, but who are still summoned. It is important to move with speed. The county assemblies must now enjoy the full force to help them conduct their business in an orderly manner without fear or favour."
}