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{
    "id": 843269,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/843269/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 244,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Olekina",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 407,
        "legal_name": "Ledama Olekina",
        "slug": "ledama-olekina"
    },
    "content": "Madam Temporary Speaker, I rise to support the nomination of the hon. Samuel Kiprono Chepkong’a as a Member of the Parliamentary Service Commission. From the outset, I wish to say that I know hon. Chepkong’a. I have debated him in other forums and found him to be a man who is highly knowledgeable. He understands what a legislator needs and what he does. From his background, I am very happy to stand here and support him. When he served as a Member of Parliament, he sponsored six Bills. Among those Bills were- (1) The Matrimonial Property Bill. (2) The Marriage Bill. (3) The Election Campaign Finance Bill. (4) The Truth, Justice and Reconciliation (Amendment) Bill. (5) The Protection Against Domestic Violence Bill 2013. Looking at what he has done in terms of sponsoring those legislations, it shows that he is the man, who the sixth President of the United States, Quincy John, had in mind when he said that if your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. The challenge to him now is to look at the work we do, as Senators. I am from a different school of thought that believes that the Constitution is very clear and fully empowers a Senator to be able to use his ability to defend or to help this country. Article 96 of the Constitution is very clear that the Senate represents the counties and serves to protect the interest of the counties and their governments. When we talk about oversight, particularly now that we are looking at having a Fund that will be controlled by the Parliamentary Service Commission, having someone who understands the importance of a family or society which is accountable will help us. Many a time, you find commissioners who go there with the interest of lining their pockets. I dare say that as Parliament, it is important that the commissioners we have are people who respect the fiduciary duty that they have. They must support this Senate. It is quite often that we hear people talking about the role of the National Assembly commissioners versus the role of the Senate commissioners whereby the position of the Senate is not fully defined. I hope that the Committee on Labour and Social Welfare, as presented by Sen. Sakaja, took Hon. Chepkong’a through all the challenges that this Senate has fought to get to where it is. With that, given that he is a leader, the challenge remains to him. As Winston Churchill said, the price of greatness is responsibility. He is now responsible for ensuring that we take governors to task. The only way we can do so is by ensuring that a Senator who represents hundreds of thousands of people--- Like in my case, I have six constituencies. In the case of Sen. Sakaja, he has got about 17 constituencies. I have taken upon myself to set up my own six offices in Narok County. In most cases I pay the staff from my own pocket to ensure that I am felt by people in every corner of Narok County. 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."
}