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"content": "Thirdly, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, we have seen concerns by members of the public, the clergy and civil society about all these amendments. We welcome those concerns and I ask the committee which is being formed today to accommodate those concerns that have been raised by the people of the public. We want to see the clergy, the civil society and political parties appearing before the Committee. We want to see robust proposals being provided through this forum. I have sat in similar committees before; I sat in the committee that came up with the amendments to this law. It must be remembered that in 2012, when this law was being made, very few of us had the opportunity to be in Parliament. In fact, I dare say that apart from Sen. (Prof.) Kamar,who was on the Chair earlier; and Sen.Haji, there are not more than two or three people who sat in 2012 to pass the elections law as it is. Yet some people are telling us that we should have sat down together to do the law; and that we should not propose any amendments to the law. All these amendments that are provided for in this House are done by Members like Sen. Fatuma Dullo or sometimes also by the political parties. We now have an opportunity, through public participation under Article 118 of the Constitution and in our Standing Orders, to robustly engage in terms of making sure that this legislation makes sense for the Republic. Therefore, Madam Temporary Speaker--- I am Sorry,Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I am used to Madam Temporary Speaker, who was on the Chair earlier. I do not know why she sat very briefly, because--- I am not saying that she was not doing a good job; I am just saying that she was there when I started the debate and, therefore, my tongue is still used to referring to her. I am not undermining your ability to continue from where she left. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, all I am saying is that this is important. We have established a Committee with five Members being proposed by the Majority side. Before the end of this Motion, I will be happy to add the Senators for Turkana, Migori, Taita- Taveta and Kwale Counties; or even the distinguished nominated Senator representing persons with disabilities, who is also here. They can quickly caucus and give us four names so that we can amend this Motion to include their names for robust engagement. There is nothing that stops us from doing that here so that we can accommodate the Minority side. That shows the kind of goodwill and commitment that we have on our side. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I have faith in Sen. Fatuma Dullo, who is a distinguished Senator serving her second term; I have faith in Sen. Paul Kimani Wamatangi, a distinguished Senator who is not here at the moment. I also have faith in Sen. Johnson Sakaja, who is also serving his second term, having come from the “lower” House. Sen. (Rev.) Naomi Jillo Waqo will not only be there to make robust contribution as a Senator, but also with her religious background, she will come with that network and appreciation of the religious issues and positions that have been held by many religious leaders from across the country. Sen. Aaron Cheruiyot, a distinguished Senator who is serving his second term and Sen. Sakaja are part of the youth that serve in this Senate. They not only serve in this House, they were elected by an overwhelming majority to serve in this Senate. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, as I move this Bill, I want to request Members to debate robustly by giving an opportunity to everyone then ultimately pass this Motion so"
}