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"speaker_name": "Dr. Khalwale",
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"content": "Mr. Speaker, Sir, I would like to thank the Deputy Leader of Government Business for recognizing that there is need for us to join hands as the Back Bench and the Front Bench in addressing the issue of the law. You have demonstrated in the last three years that you are a stickler for parliamentary procedure. Therefore, much as I am personally very disappointed for having been recalled and now I am being asked to go back, which has interfered with my plans, I must support the Government and the Speaker because the provision of the law under our Standing Orders is very clear. We can only transact special business. That is why we were recalled prematurely. Because that special business was about the constitutional Bills and we all know what happened yesterday, it is only sensible that we do not sit in this House and start playing to the gallery, trying to transact irrelevant business, important as it may be, when we know that, that is not provided for in the Standing Orders. It is for this reason that I not only support this Motion, but also choose to second this Motion and request my fellow Back-benchers that we allow this period so that the Government can put its house in order. Then we will come back and transact that special business. However, because I have this opportunity, allow me to appeal to my colleagues, Members of Parliament. The one week-and-a-half that we will be at home will give us opportunity to not only listen to our constituents, but also the rest of Kenyans. Whereas particular constituencies have unique positions that they take on various national issues, Kenyans as a whole are the ones we are supposed to serve with utmost respect. I have in mind the issue of the drought that has just been discussed this morning. Kenyans are wondering how the Government can lack money to buy maize from our farmers so that we can deal with the issue of hunger and yet the same Government is prepared to shamelessly spend Kshs4.7 billion in defending the people who are suspected to have perpetrated the post-election violence. Kenyans are saying that that money should be put to good use and not to foot the bills for the defence of those six Kenyans. This does not in any way mean that we do not like our colleagues who are faced with this threat of the International Criminal Court (ICC). However, when the Budget was presented in this House, there was no single Vote which this Parliament passed that provided that this money is put aside to serve that role. Secondly, Kenyans have been watching as we, Members of Parliament, bash the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (KACC) led by Prof. Lumumba. Hon. Members, let us think about it. Kenyans think that Prof. Lumumba is moving in the right direction. We should all be behind him so that we reinforce the fight against corruption. You are aware that the Ministry of Education has gone out of its way to ensure that children from poor families are assisted to access national schools. Kenyans must also have an opportunity of hearing Members of Parliament not only supporting Prof. Ongeri on this move, but also telling him the truth. The children in private schools who are now being left in limbo are also Kenyans. They passed their exams---"
}