Entry Instance

HTTP 200 OK
Allow: GET, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, HEAD, OPTIONS
Content-Type: application/json
Vary: Accept

{
    "id": 702210,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/702210/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 170,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Wakhungu",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 1889,
        "legal_name": "Chrisantus Wamalwa Wakhungu",
        "slug": "chrisantus-wamalwa-wakhungu"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I rise to support the nomination of Lady Justice Philomena Mwilu for appointment to the Office of the Deputy Chief Justice of the Republic of Kenya. I speak as a practicing Catholic. Justice Philomena Mwilu is a member of my church, namely, St. Paul University Chapel. Her Curriculum Vitae clearly shows that she is a Catholic. Further, she is a member of the Catholic Women Association (CWA), an association in the Catholic Church composed of women who promote family values. She is also a member of the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (CJPC), whose objectives include promotion of peace and justice. The doctrine of the Catholic Church expects any practicing Catholic to behave in a manner that conforms to the church’s dos and don’ts. Since she is a practicing Catholic, there is no way she can promote matters to do with gays. I listened keenly during the vetting process. The only official document that you can have from the Committee is this Report. I doubt the authenticity of the context that Hon. Kang’ata has brought here. We must proceed on the basis of the official document that we have on this matter. It is clearly stipulated that she is a Catholic and a Member of CWA and CJPC. In order for one to be a member of the Catholic Church, one must subscribe to the doctrine of the Catholic Church. I was in the particular Committee meetings. Hon. Kang’ata is also a Catholic. As Catholic Members of Parliament, we normally have mass every Wednesday within the precincts of Parliament. We normally pray for the leadership of this country. I remember very clearly that as Catholic Members of Parliament, we prayed for Justice Philomena Mwilu to be nominated and get to this seat. The Bible says that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” All leadership comes from God. Looking at the way things are today, we do not want to rely on hearsay. I have interacted with Justice Philomena Mwilu from the church perspective. She is a humble, simple and courageous person. She is the right woman for this particular position. I request the Members of this House to approve her nomination. I am speaking without fear or favour that this is the right woman we need to work with Chief Justice David Maraga. With Chief Justice David and Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu at the helm of the Judiciary, I can assure you that corruption will end in this country. Issues of delay of court cases will be a thing of the past. The two of them come from a Christian perspective. Article 45 of the Constitution talks about the family and it states thus:- “The family is the natural and fundamental unit of society and the necessary basis of social order, and shall enjoy the recognition and protection of the State.” The allegations are nowhere in her submissions. I did not see it. So, Hon. Kang’ata should tell us where he got this notion that Justice Philomena supports gay rights. She only mentioned, in line with Article 36 of the Constitution, about freedom of association. So, whoever they are, they have their freedom of association. That does not mean she supports or subscribes to gayism. I encourage and plead with Members to support this lady of integrity. She has been in the practice for 32 years. She has been in the private, public and religious sectors. So, when it comes The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor"
}