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{
    "id": 905027,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/905027/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 148,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Orengo",
    "speaker_title": "The Senate Minority Leader",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 129,
        "legal_name": "Aggrey James Orengo",
        "slug": "james-orengo"
    },
    "content": " Madam Temporary Speaker, allow me to Second. I do not have a lot to say. I fully support the sentiments expressed the Senate Majority Leader. Madam Temporary Speaker, if we do not look carefully at some legislation which comes from the House, we will be legislated out of existence. In the areas where the Constitution is clear about our role, we are suffocated out of that role. Madam Temporary Speaker, when it comes to the issue of intergovernmental relations that is governed by the Intergovernmental Relations Act which is underpinned by Article 189 of the Constitution, the Senate has no role to play at all. In fact, when there is a meeting between the executive at the national and county levels, the Senate has no role. We are never invited even to participate as observers. However, in a situation where the Constitution is clear who are the players when it comes to suspension of county governments, there are only two players; that is the President of the Republic of Kenya and the Senate. The amendments that are brought by the National Assembly want to bring another body in the process of dealing with the question of suspension of county governments. In fact, whereas the President can suspend a county government, he can only do so, with the authority of the Senate. Without the authority of the Senate, he cannot. That is why Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr. has said that it is important that once the President makes a decision, a notice is sent to the Speaker of the Senate to communicate that information to the Senate. When it comes to our suspension, which cannot last for more than three months, the Senate can countermand that decision and end the suspension on the county government. Therefore, I persuade the distinguished Senators, in the same vein as the Senate Majority Leader, that this is something that we have to say no to. This is because when it went to the National Assembly they knew what they were doing by bringing these amendments which were to weaken the authority and powers of the Senate. In fact, the authority and power of the President has not been interfered with. It is only the authority of the Senate. If you look at the history of how the old Senate died, it was through these small amendments which were not challenged. Those who tried to challenge them gave up and the Senate died. Therefore, I urge distinguished Senators that these The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}