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{
    "id": 978491,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/978491/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 206,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Murkomen",
    "speaker_title": "The Senate Majority Leader",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 440,
        "legal_name": "Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen",
        "slug": "kipchumba-murkomen"
    },
    "content": " Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the issue that the House must determine is what happens, now that there is an emerging pattern that functions of county governments are either being transferred to the national level; or impeachments that ensue as a result of frustration of county governments; and the effect of this on winding up of county governments. This is a situation that the framers of our Constitution could not have envisaged. Two years ago, we would not have imagined that today, we will be faced with a serious matter as this. The future of devolution is in jeopardy. Therefore, it is time for the Senate to take leadership of this matter. I urge that in considering this matter, we do not think of those presently holding the various offices, including governors and the President. Let us deal with the matter with a focus on our primary objective which is to safeguard the devolved system of Government. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I request this House and the country to not look at this issue of devolution and transfer of functions with President Uhuru Kenyatta in the face of it. If we do so, we will fall into a trap of saying that we support him or not. We should also not look at it with the Governor of Nairobi City County or the Governor of Elgeyo- Marakwet in mind. I would rather we look at this issue dispassionately and away from our personal and political relationships with governors who are holding office. Let us look at it objectively on how best we can safeguard devolution in situations that may come up. President Uhuru Kenyatta is a wonderful man whom I voted for him. He might have had the best intention in this situation. We cannot discuss him, but he might have had the best intentions in doing the agreement with the county government. Our evaluation of this agreement should go beyond focusing on the President or future President and look at the issues. We should sometimes imagine that the worst people are the ones holding office. Finally, this is the time for action and vigilance by the Senate. I call upon you to urgently refer this matter to the Committee on Devolved Government and Intergovernmental Relations and the Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights for an urgent consideration and reporting back to this House within 10 days. 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."
}