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{
    "id": 763386,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/763386/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 61,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Ng’ongo",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 110,
        "legal_name": "John Mbadi Ng'ong'o",
        "slug": "john-mbadi"
    },
    "content": "Hon. Speaker, I just wanted to say that our coalition has been in consultation and discussion on the matter of leadership in the House – both the National Assembly and the Senate. I know that you have received some communication, which we discussed previously. I am aware that finally, the coalition was very clear on the leadership of the Minority Leader in both Houses. However, today, I hear from the Communication from the Chair – which I respect – that our communication did not come out properly. We are actually alive to the provisions of Standing Order 20; that in the event you do not have a whip, how do you communicate? By the way, I may be wrong, but if you look at Standing Order 20 critically, you will realise what the whip is required to communicate. It is like if there is a replacement in the Office of the Minority Leader or the Majority Leader. However, when the holder of that office is to be appointed for the first time, Standing Order 20 is not so clear. In fact, it is derived that ‘replacement’ may be the same as the first appointment. Hon. Speaker, that is, however, not the point I wanted to make. The point I wanted to make is that we have no problem complying with your ruling. We will comply fully. We are even aware that according to Standing Order 20, the whip is not supposed to be appointed through a parliamentary group meeting minutes. It is the Leader of the Minority who is supposed to appoint the whip. I am a very good student of the Standing Orders of this House. I am sure that can hardly be disputed. I am a ranking Member of this House. I have checked Standing Order No.20. The minority whip is supposed to be appointed by the Leader of the Minority Party. The Majority Whip is also supposed to be appointed by the Leader of the Minority Party. The question is this: If the Leader of the Minority Party is supposed to appoint the Minority Whip, how then do you get the Minority Whip to forward minutes appointing the same person? Hon. Speaker, there is some lacuna in the Standing Orders, if you asked me. I think these Standing Orders were made in a rush. However, I do not want to argue with you regarding your decision. As I conclude, I just want to say that recognising John Mbadi, the Member of Parliament for Suba South, as the Leader of the Minority Party after the leadership of the Minority Coalition communicated, both publicly and in writing, was not done by John Mbadi. It was done by the National Assembly. I cannot give myself facilities, if it is not agreed. I have absolutely no problem if the National Assembly does not recognise John Mbadi as the Leader of the Minority Party. We will just go back to our coalition, hold a meeting and bring you the minutes of that meeting. That is not something that is difficult for me. The only thing that I also ask from the Leader of the Majority Party, Hon. Duale, who is my good friend, is some respect. I have my vehicles, which I can use. I had an office. I was very comfortable. I have used an office at Continental House for 10 years. I was allocated the other office just the other day."
}