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{
    "id": 876935,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/876935/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 403,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Linturi",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 69,
        "legal_name": "Franklin Mithika Linturi",
        "slug": "franklin-linturi"
    },
    "content": "All the Senators seated here represent a delegation. If you look at what is provided for under Article 96 of the Constitution of Kenya, Senators represent the interests of the people of Kenya and those of the counties. These people that he is trying to register with that system are living in counties. So, we must be involved and heard. When Senators speak about and say that we have reservations in a manner this exercise is being done, a reasonable or careful Government official has to listen. Secondly, Madam Temporary Speaker, the Cabinet Secretary who does not want to appear before this Committee or House is behaving like an elephant that once has taken the Amarula tree will go round the bush clearing any tree that it finds on its way because it is drunk. Recently, I heard that the Cabinet Secretary was given additional duties by the appointing authority and for that matter, the Cabinet Secretary may have those ideas that he is a super minister, who cannot appear before Parliament. This Cabinet Secretary is paid by taxpayer’s money; he has a duty to be accountable. Some of the instruments for accountability to the people of Kenya is by appearing before Parliament to answer questions. Article 125 of the Constitution of Kenya gives Committees powers to summon everyone. I thank, Sen. Sakaja and the Chairperson of the Committee on National Security, Defence, and Foreign Relations. We will be behind you, whatever it takes, let us do it. If we do not stand firm to defend the position that the Senate has taken, the Senate will continually be demeaned, the authority of Parliament will continually be demeaned and we will become the laughing stock of this country. Kenyans are frustrated. When they are, they vent their frustrations through their leaders. When leaders speak here, and then a Cabinet Secretary is so busy or does not even care and runs away, it is unacceptable. I want to plead with the Committee that is handling this matter to move with speed and summon the Cabinet Secretary to appear before it. Even before they give him the hearing, they must get sufficient reasons as to why he did not appear and invoke the powers conferred to the chairs and speakers of the Committee under the Powers and Privileges Act because it is operational and we have to protect Parliament. Madam Temporary Speaker, let us not entertain state officers who behave just like children who have been breastfed by the mothers, and other than saying thank you, continue to bite the breast that feeds them. Thank you, Madam Temporary Speaker."
}