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{
    "id": 782468,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/782468/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 335,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, if the executive authority of a county is vested in a governor by the people of that county, then let that entire authority be vested in him. Let them have a free hand to appoint a deputy governor who should always have a docket. There are very many idle deputy governors across the country whose desks have nothing. They have nothing to do. Due to that, they perambulate around counties frustrating their governors. Although this system is in the Constitution, it does not mean it is right. A governor should be able to dismiss his deputy and appoint somebody else so long as they are performing. We all know after five years, it is the governor who has to account to the people of the county as to why he did not deliver on one or two things that he might have promised. The same goes with the issue of the President and running mate. In my opinion, I do not think that the system we have today is correct. However, since it is what we have in our Constitution, it is good to give clarity, as the Senate Majority Leader has proposed, on the manner in which a governor can appoint his deputy. I am glad that in Nairobi County residents are being asked on Facebook who they would like to be their deputy governor. There is a list from which they can choose. It ranges from Anne Kiguta, former solicitor General- Njee Muturi and other people who are known and unknown. As a result, we have seen a lot of lobbying. I am being called for tea by many people. They are asking me please, nitetee, or talk to the governor on my behalf. It is good and healthy because it is a public office. The public should participate. Let the public know who is being eyed. I am sure they have, probably, told the Governor of Nairobi County that they have dossier on some of the people he is suggesting. However, let us give them clarity. Let us have this consultative process. Let the governor nominate a member and let that person go to the county assembly and pass with a certain threshold of votes. However, let there be never a time that a county is run by somebody who did not get mandate from the voters there. If a deputy governor is appointed in that manner and then the governor, for whatever reason, vacates office, that deputy governor should not rise to the position of governor. An election must be held so that at any one time, the person controlling resources in the county which is close to Ksh30 billion cannot be one who has ascended to power without having the mandate of the people of that county. I support the provision for now because it is what we have as law. I hope that during the next stages, we can consolidate these other Bills that have similar provisions and think more creatively. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the question arises whether the law was made for man or man for it. I think at this time, especially after “the handshake” we can soberly reflect on a lot of the provisions in our laws, the Constitution, system and structure of governance. We have had five years of this Constitution. Is it efficacious enough? Are we achieving what we need for the people? I hope all of us can be statesmen as we go through this process. Let us not miss this moment. Otto Von Bismarck, the great leader of Germany, once said: “A statesman cannot create anything himself. He must wait and listen until he hears the steps of God sounding through events; then leap up and grasp the hem of His garment.” The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}