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{
    "id": 744393,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/744393/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 71,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
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    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Madam Temporary Speaker, the other aspect is with regard to the petitions under Standing Order 227. A new method is required to deal with petitions. As much as we want to practice democracy to its fullest extent, the fact remains that the sheer number of petitions being presented to this House is such that there would be need to have a committee that will deal with petitions. In other words, these petitions should not be referred to the sessional or departmental Committees. For example, there are so many pending petitions before the Committee on Finance, Commerce and Budget which we will not deal with before we adjourn. There should be a minimum threshold for what constitutes a petition. This is because some petitions are frivolous, but we are duty bound to look at them, anyway. If people have got political wars in the counties and one person is fighting the other person and it is clear that it is all a political battle, should we then be part of that battlefront by dealing with the petition that has got no substance? These are the issues that arise. In further amendments to the Standing Orders, we should create a minimum threshold for what constitutes a petition. Madam Temporary Speaker, with those few words I hope that the Committee in its further discussion on this issue will address that matter, particularly Standing Order 146 (3). I hope that in the Twelfth Parliament this matter will be addressed. As I finalize, allow me to take this opportunity, not only to thank these people, but thank you Madam Speaker, the Speaker’s Panel, particularly Hon. Ethuro and the Deputy Speaker, Sen. Kembi-Gitura; for the work that they have continued to do for this Senate. Those of us, and I include myself, who are not going to be in the Twelfth Parliament wish to also thank our colleagues. I want to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues for the hard work that they put in Motions, Petitions, Bills and generally, their commitment to the work of this House. As the first Senate, we have done a tremendous amount of work amid a lot of issues and problems; being dismissed outrightly by the National Assembly and by the Executive, sometimes. However, we have persistently continued to uphold our function of supporting and defending devolution in this country. I wish those who will be elected and those who will be re-elected well. I wish those who will be running for other seats well, Madam Temporary Speaker. I hope you succeed so that those of us who will be back in business would at least have a credible number of parliamentarians to deal with the business of this House. I wish all Members success in their endeavours. God bless this Senate and Kenya."
}