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{
    "id": 838420,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/838420/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 87,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Makueni, WDM-K",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Daniel Maanzo",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 2197,
        "legal_name": "Daniel Kitonga Maanzo",
        "slug": "daniel-kitonga-maanzo"
    },
    "content": " Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. The interpretation that this expands the term of the President or the President’s days or years in office is plausible. The truth of the matter is that Parliament is a House of debate. This matter has already been approved for debate. We are debating it and eventually a vote will be taken by this House and in that particular vote, the date will either be changed or fail to be changed. However, fundamentally, Kenya is looking at a lot of other issues in the Constitution. Most probably, it could be good if as a House - and because it is part of our responsibility - we could frame quite a number of issues for referendum because now is the time to audit the Constitution after 10 years of serving the country. I believe even if this particular Bill does not go through, there is still that other chance of a referendum and the responsibility of making the Constitution is by the people of the Republic and the people will decide whether they are happy with August or December. The people of Kenya still have that particular opportunity should we not go through with this Bill. So, in the two occasions, Kenyans do not lose. I believe Hon. Wamalwa is bringing this Motion on behalf of Kenyans and Kenyans still also have an opportunity to decide this particular matter in a referendum. I want to state that we have several matters now which may be immature for referendum questions. Still this House will decide whether Kenya is proceeding to referendum or not. Again, it is a House which plays an integral part in determining whether a constitutional amendment is going to be done through referendum or the schedules within the House. Therefore, I want to say that it is a heavy matter. Members are open to debate including myself and so far, we have already gone through one August election. Kenyans are familiar with the challenges we went through although finally they were settled. It is a decision which can either be made by this House or by the Republic through a referendum by the people. It is an open matter which is subject to debate and to voting. I thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker."
}