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{
    "id": 969717,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/969717/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 259,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Murkomen",
    "speaker_title": "The Senate Majority Leader",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 440,
        "legal_name": "Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen",
        "slug": "kipchumba-murkomen"
    },
    "content": "determination, we already have a litany of jurisprudence from the many cases that we have handled as a House. Thirdly and lastly, the Senate is converting itself to a quasi-judicial institution. Whereas other decisions we make are because of political considerations, it will be important that all the decisions we make today are for posterity. This is because there are many judicial decisions related to impeachment. I sat in the Committee that listened to the charges against Gov. Wambora and we had the question of whether the procedure was followed by the county assembly. Others came as a result of court orders that were obtained by the governors prior to coming here, which the courts have argued that we should not have ignored when determining the decision that we made. Mr. Speaker, Sir, the stakes are high. This is a county governor, and this is about devolution. This is about the future of counties and devolution. I am happy to note that in the seven cases that have been brought in this House, some have gone towards impeachment while some have not. I like what the counsel of the county assembly said; that the Senate is not on trial. In most cases, people have used the words ‘the Senate is on trial’ to intimidate Members to make decisions in one way or the other. I urge hon. Senators that as we retreat to make the decision and determination on the matter that is before us, we should all search our conscience. We should look at the evidence and persuasive arguments on both sides and cast our votes, not just for now but posterity. In the past, this House has risen to the occasion. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I thought this was just a mere cliché, but I saw my predecessor, Sen. (Prof.) Kindiki, use the same when he was moving a similar Motion in relation to the impeachment of the then Governor of Nyeri. He said that it is up to us, and if it does not fit, we should acquit. This is a famous quote that was made by the courts in the famous case of O.J. Simpson. It is up to us to make a decision. If the evidence leads to the conclusion that the charges can be confirmed, we should confirm. If the charges and the evidence lead to a conclusion that we must acquit him, we will acquit him. We will not have any apology to make to anybody because we are doing this solemn duty in ultimate protection of the Constitution, and that is our duty as the Senate. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I would like to call upon the Senate Minority Leader to second. I thank you."
}