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{
    "id": 676159,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/676159/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 263,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Kang’ata",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 1826,
        "legal_name": "Irungu Kang'ata",
        "slug": "irungu-kangata"
    },
    "content": "I put notice to Members that I will move an amendment on how we will select members of that panel that has been referred to in this Bill, provided that we allow the process to be in the hands of religious leaders. It appears that when we propose to give CORD, Jubilee and the Public Service Commission (PSC), two members each, people do not trust that arrangement. The best case scenario is to leave this process to religious leaders. I imagine everyone here is religious. In any event, I have seen the religious community being at the forefront in supporting reforms in the IEBC. Therefore, the best case scenario would be we give religious leaders power to be part of the panel interviewing the new commissioners once we start this process. Otherwise, I urge Members to be very cautious because time is not on our side. We are about one year to the elections. Remember, we also have a proposal which has been debated and, to the best of my knowledge, passed. This is where nominations for various positions must be held, at least, three months to an election. Therefore, assuming that proposal goes through, it means you will be nominated on or about April, next year. If you will be nominated by April, next year, it means that for most of us who come from regions where parties are very strong, the elections will be held, not in August but in April, next year. The Constitution grants power to the IEBC to supervise party nominations. Time is of the essence. We only have seven or eight months to the real elections. Elections in August will purely be a coronation for majority of us who come from regions where our parties are very strong. It makes sense for us not to be cantankerous and swayed by moods of other leaders. We should look at our interests as Members of Parliament so that we have a proper IEBC and a proper process, notwithstanding what our party leaders tell us. That entails passing this Bill so that the process of nomination is very clear. Thank you. I rest my case in support of this Bill."
}