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{
    "id": 842977,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/842977/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 219,
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    "content": "manifestos have been interrogated--- I hear some people sometimes calling us sycophants. There are parties and regions in this country where one person just stands somewhere and whatever he says will pass; but for some reason, nobody calls them sycophants. However, there are places and parties – like where I come from – where we are called for meetings; we are persuaded and our points are also incorporated. When we get out of those meetings and announce a position that we know has been interrogated by the leadership of that particular party, some characters want to call us sycophants. Teamwork does not mean sycophancy. The fact that you are not aware of what we discussed inside that room; about the proposals, the counter proposals; the agreements and disagreements that we have had for us to now come up with a joint position, does not warrant dismissing MPs that they are not doing their job. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I would be concerned where there is no consultation, participation or robust internal democratic processes; where one person just rises and when he says; “we go left”, they go left. They can even brag publicly that they did it quietly so that people do not know. Then, we are just saying: “Long live the King; we are the democratic side and we are pushing for that side.” Therefore, when we raise these issues about MPs not being accountable enough, we must be very careful because there are internal party mechanisms which people go through when they are pushing their issues. That is the same for county assemblies. We are not saying that the county assemblies should fight with the governors; we are saying that you must point out issues. When those issues are pointed out in the proper manner, they must be incorporated. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I want to add my voice to the argument that counties must also be run in a prudent manner. I have said this, and Sen. Sakaja talked about Nairobi County. We have said it over and over again, that county management, just like national Government management, is not a one-man show. I sometimes see some people who want to blame President Uhuru, his Government and his policies. President Uhuru Kenyatta cannot work in isolation from the National Assembly, the Senate, other institutions and the Executive. It is the duty of every citizen around the President who has an opportunity to serve constitutionally, to help to ensure that what the President is pronouncing is the collective position that has been advised by many of us. It is the same in the counties; and I have mentioned the example of Nairobi County. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, Gov. Mbuvi is a good friend of ours and we sat with him in this House. You were here when he came with voluminous documents about misappropriation and mismanagement of resources in Nairobi County. This is a man who I know believes in the poor, common man and he has a fantastic heart. However, it is true to also tell him that it is time he worked with a team. We said that there are no County Executive Committee (CEC) Member and Chief Officer for Health in Nairobi County. We are talking about the madness in Pumwani Maternity Hospital because there are no people who are in charge and who can take responsibility for that. There is even no Deputy Governor who would have gone to another corner when the Governor goes to one side. We must, therefore, point out these issues. Counties must not be avenues for fights; it must be a place for cooperation and consultation; where assemblies are 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."
}