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{
    "id": 976261,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/976261/?format=api",
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    "content": "my attention has been drawn to reports relating to a discreet visit made to the Republic of Somalia on Saturday, 29thFebruary 2020, by about 11 Members of this House, majorly representing constituencies in the former North Eastern Province of the Republic of Kenya. The sensitivity of the matter, the public interest and the inquires that have been made to my office on the matter have invited me to address the following questions relating to alleged private visit- 1. What are the responsibilities of a State officer with regard to engagements with foreign governments? 2. What constitutes a parliamentary delegation? 3. Are Members travelling out of the country required to notify the Speaker and why? Hon. Members, on the first question, permit me to remind this House that, under the Constitution, the office of a Member of Parliament is a State Office in the Republic of Kenya. As such, there are responsibilities expected of Members of Parliament as State officers. Article 10(2) of the Constitution spells out the national values and principles of governance that, among other things, bind State officers. These values, which are binding to all State officers, include patriotism, transparency, and accountability. These values are also emphasised in Section 3 of the Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012 and Section 2 of the Fourth Schedule to the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act, 2017. I hasten to add that at all times, any action by a state officer – be it in their private or official capacity – ought to take into consideration the need to remain patriotic, transparent and accountable to the nation. Hon. Members, you may recall that, pursuant to Article 74 of the Constitution, each one of you ascribed to an Oath or Affirmation of Member of Parliament before you assumed the office you hold as such Members. The Oath or Affirmation as prescribed in the Third Schedule to the Constitution reads in part, that – “… I shall bear true faith and allegiance to the people and the Republic of Kenya; that I will obey, respect, uphold, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the Republic of Kenya; and that I will faithfully and conscientiously discharge the duties of a Member of Parliament…” Section 8 of the Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012 provides thus – (8) “State office is a position of public trust and the authority and responsibility vested in a State officer shall be exercised by the State officer in the best interest of the people of Kenya.” The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposes only. Acertified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}