Hon. Members, there is need for quorum. Serjeant-at-Arms, I direct that the bell be rung.

We may now proceed; we have quorum.

Let us have Hon. John Mutunga, Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table of the House:

Report of the Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock on the vetting of the following nominees for appointment as Principal Secretaries: 1. Mr. Philip Kello Harsama, State Department for Crop Development. 2. Mr Harry Kimutai Kachuwai, CBS, State Department for Livestock Development.

Let us have Hon. Kangogo Bowen, Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Blue Economy and Irrigation.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table: Report of the Departmental Committee on Blue Economy and Irrigation on the vetting of the following nominees for appointment as Principal Secretaries: 1. Ms. Betsy Muthoni Njagi, State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries. 2. Mr. Gitonga Mugambi, State Department for Irrigation. 3. Dr. Paul Ronoh for State Department for Water and Sanitation.

Let us have Dr. Robert Pukose, Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Health.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table: Report of the Departmental Committee on Health on the vetting of the following nominees for appointment as Principal Secretaries: 1. Eng. Peter Kiplagat Tum CBS, State Department for Medical Services. 2. Dr. Josephine Njeri Mburu Wahogo, State Department for Health Standards and Professional Management. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for informationpurposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

Let us have Hon. Vincent Musyoka, Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Energy. You are next.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table: Report of the Departmental Committee on Energy on the vetting of the following nominees for appointment as Principal Secretaries: 1. Mr. Alex Wachira, State Department for Energy. 2. Mr. Mohamed Liban, State Department for Petroleum.

Let us have Hon. Peter Lochakapong, Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Regional Development.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table: Report of the Departmental Committee on Regional Development on the vetting of the following nominees for appointment as Principal Secretaries: 1. Mr Idris Dogota, State Department for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) and Regional Development. 2. Mrs. Teresia Mbaika Malokwe, State Department for Devolution.

Let us have Hon. Kuria, Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table: Report of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning on the vetting of the following nominees for appointment as Principal Secretaries: 1. Dr. Christopher Kiprotich Kiptoo, State Department for National Treasury. 2. Mr. James Muhati Buyekane, State Department for Economic Planning.

Hon. Julius Melly, Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Education and Research.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table: Report of the Departmental Committee on Education and Research on the vetting of the following nominees for appointment as Principal Secretaries: 1. Dr. Belio Kipsang, State Department for Basic Education. 2. Ms. Esther Thaara Muoria, State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training. 3. Ms. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, State Department for Higher Education and Research. I thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

Hon. Johana Ng’eno, Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table: Report of the Departmental Committee on Housing Urban Planning and Public Works on the vetting of the following nominees for appointment as Principal Secretaries: 1. Mr. Charles Hinga, State Department for Housing and urban Development. 2. Mr. Joel Arumonyang, State Department for Public Works. I thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

Next Order!

The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for informationpurposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

Hon. John Mutunga, Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to give notice of the following Motion:

THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock on the vetting of nominees for appointment as Principal Secretaries, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 1st December 2022 and pursuant to the provisions of Article 155(3) (b) of the Constitution approves the appointment of the following persons as Principal Secretaries: 1. Mr. Philip Kello Harsama, State Department for Crop Development; and, 2. Mr. Harry Kimutai Kachuwai CBS, State Department for Livestock Development.

Hon. Kangongo Bowen, Chairperson, Departmental Committee on Blue Economy and Irrigation

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to give notice of the following Motion: THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Departmental Committee on Blue Economy and Irrigation on the vetting of the nominees for appointment as Principal Secretaries, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 1st December 2022 and pursuant to the provisions of Article 155(3) (b) of the Constitution, this House approves the appointment of the following persons as Principal Secretaries: 1. Ms. Betsy Muthoni Njagi, State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries; 2. Mr. Gitonga Mugambi, State Department for Irrigation; and, 3. Dr. Paul Ronoh, State Department for Water and Sanitation. I thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

Hon. (Dr) Robert Pukose, Chairperson, Departmental Committee on Health.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to give notice of the following Motion: THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Departmental Committee on Health on the vetting of nominees for appointment as Principal Secretaries, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 1st December 2022 and pursuant to the provisions of Article 155(3) (b) of the Constitution approves the appointment of the following persons as Principal Secretaries: 1. Eng. Peter Kiplagat Tum CBS, State Department for Medical Services; and, 2. Dr. Josephine Njeri Mburu Wahogo, State Department for Health Standards and Professional Management. I thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

Hon. Vincent Musyoka, Chairperson, Departmental Committee on Energy.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to give notice of the following Motion: THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Departmental Committee on Energy on the vetting of the nominees for appointment as Principal Secretaries, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 1st December 2022 and pursuant to the provisions of Article 155(3) (b) of the The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for informationpurposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

Constitution of Kenya approves the appointment of the following persons as Principal Secretaries: 1. Mr. Alex Wachira, State Department for Energy; and, 2. Mr. Mohamed Liban, State Department for Petroleum. I thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

Hon. Peter Lochakapong, Chairperson Departmental Committee on Regional Development.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to give notice of the following Motion: THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Departmental Committee on Regional Development on the vetting of the nominees for appointment as Principal Secretaries, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 1st December 2022 and pursuant to the provisions of Article 155(3) (b) of the Constitution approves the appointment of the following persons as Principal Secretaries: 1. Mr Idris Dogota, State Department for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) and Regional Development; and, 2. Mrs. Teresia Mbaika Malokwe, State Department for Devolution.

Hon. Julius Melly, Chairperson Departmental Committee on Education and Research.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to give notice of the following Motion: THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Departmental Committee on Education and Research on the vetting of the nominees for appointment as Principal Secretaries, laid on the table of the House on Thursday, 1st December 2022 and pursuant to the provisions of Article 155(3) (b) of the Constitution approves the appointment of the following persons as Principal Secretaries: 1. Dr. Belio Kipsang, State Department for Basic Education; 2. Ms. Esther Thaara Muoria, State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training; and, 3. Ms. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, State Department for Higher Education and Research. I thank you Hon. Deputy Speaker.

Hon. Kuria, Chairperson Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to give notice of the following Motion: THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning on the vetting of the nominees for appointment as Principal Secretaries, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 1st December 2022 and pursuant to the provisions of Article 155(3)(b) of the Constitution approves the appointment of the following persons as Principal Secretaries: 1. Dr. Christopher Kiprotich Kiptoo, State Department for National Treasury; and, 2. Mr. James Muhati Buyekane, State Department for Economic Planning. I thank you Hon. Deputy Speaker.

Hon. Alice Ng’ang’a, Chairperson, Departmental Committee on Social Protection. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for informationpurposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table: The Report of the Departmental Committee on Education and Research on the vetting of the following nominees for appointment as Principal Secretaries: 1. Ms. Veronica Mueni Nduva, State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action. 2. Mr. Joseph Mogosi Motari, State Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizens Affairs. 3. Mr. Ismail Madey, State Department for Youth Affairs.

Hon. Alice Ng’ang’a, you may give your Notice of Motion.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to give notice of the following Motion: THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Departmental Committee on Social Protection on the vetting of the nominees for appointment as Principal Secretaries, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 1st December 2022, and pursuant to the provisions of Article 155 (3)(b) of the Constitution, approves the following persons as Principal Secretaries: 1. Ms. Veronica Mueni Nduva, State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action; 2. Mr. Joseph Mogosi Motari, State Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizens Affairs; and, 3. Mr. Ismael Madey, State Department for Youth Affairs Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

Next Order. Sorry, Johana Ng’eno has not given notice of his Motion. Go ahead.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to give notice of the following Motion:

THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Departmental Committee on Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works on the vetting of nominees for appointment as Principal Secretaries, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 1st December 2022, and pursuant to the Provisions of Article 155(3)(b), of the Constitution, approves the appointment of the following persons as Principal Secretaries: 1. Mr. Charles Hinga, State Department for Housing and Urban Development; and, 2. Mr. Joel Arumonyang, State Department for Public Works. Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

You may now proceed to the next Order.

On a point of order, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

What is your point of order, Hon. David Gikaria?

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I am just wondering when The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for informationpurposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

the Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining is supposed to table its Report. We finished our report writing yesterday and we were supposed to table it today. Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

As soon as it makes its way into the House, it shall be approved and then you will table it. Hon. Member for Thika Town, Hon. Alice Ng’ang’a.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to ask the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration the following Question: (i) Could the Cabinet Secretary provide the status of investigations into the circumstances surrounding the mysterious disappearance of Mr. Derrick Mureti Muriuki of ID No.29847092 and Mr. Lawrence Mawira Njeru on 29th June 2022 while en-route to Nairobi from Kakuma, Turkana County while on board motor vehicle registration number KCZ 057W which was later found abandoned a few metres from Salgaa Police Station, reported at Salgaa Police Station vide O.B Number 18/30/06/2022 and at Kasarani Police Station vide O.B No. 97/30/7/2022 respectively? (ii) Could the Cabinet Secretary provide the measures put in place to guarantee security for the immediate family members of the above-mentioned persons considering that they have been receiving threats on their lives since the mysterious disappearance of their loved ones? (iii) Could the Cabinet Secretary assure the affected families that investigations into the incident will be fast-tracked? Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

Member for Marsabit County, Hon. Naomi Waqo.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to ask the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum the following Question: (i) Could the Cabinet Secretary provide a status report on the electricity connectivity to public institutions and households in Marsabit County, indicating the percentage of the said connectivity to these facilities? (ii) Could the Cabinet Secretary elaborate the plans put in place by the Ministry to ensure that Marsabit County is connected to electricity power through the national grid? The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for informationpurposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

(iii) Could the Cabinet Secretary explain the causes of frequent power outages in Marsabit County and provide the steps taken by the Ministry to address the said outages? (iv) Could the Cabinet Secretary explain whether Kenya Power and Lighting Company adheres to the due process of issuing power interruption notices in Marsabit County before the power outage occurs? (v) Could the Cabinet Secretary provide the operational capacity of Kenya Power and Lighting Company to adequately supply power in the county? Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

Member for Limuru.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I rise to ask the Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Forestry the following Question: (i) Considering that Limuru Constituency borders the Great Rift Valley and its location is in close proximity to Naivasha and other areas with geothermal activity, including dormant volcanic mountains, could the Cabinet Secretary provide the seismic status of Limuru area and its surroundings as well as data on the frequency of earth tremors? (ii) Could the Cabinet Secretary provide the measures that the Government has put in place to ensure the design and construction of critical infrastructure in earthquake-prone areas can withstand structural challenges related to tremors? (iii) Could the Cabinet Secretary provide details and contacts of key institutions responsible for measuring, monitoring and reporting on such tremors, and indicate the country’s capacity to undertake such exercises? (iv) Could the Cabinet Secretary explain emergency awareness programmes available in earthquake-prone areas for members of the public to ensure that they are advised on necessary action(s) to take in case of disasters related to earthquakes? Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

Request for Statement by the Member for Marsabit County, Hon. Naomi Waqo.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of the Standing Order 44(2)(c), I seek a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs regarding the delay in issuance of National Identity Cards to the new applicants in Marsabit County. The predicament faced by the new applicants in obtaining identity cards due to their ethnicity is so discriminatory and further demonstrates how the delay may endanger the well- being of the applicants and their families. As a result, travelling to other parts of the country The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for informationpurposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

becomes a challenge due to lack of an identity card which is a mandatory pass at the various police checkpoints along Moyale-Isiolo Road. Majority of school leavers in Marsabit County seeking identity cards to apply for university, college and funding from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) have experienced prolonged delay in issuance of the national identity cards. Consequently, the issue of students’ identity cards negates the university’s provision which states that students must identify themselves by providing identity cards whenever required.

Moreover, those applying for lost or misplaced cards are also forced to wait for long before they can be issued with new cards. It is against this background that I seek a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs, on the following: 1. Could the Chairperson explain why there has been a delay in issuance of identity cards to the new applicants from Marsabit County? 2. What measures is the Ministry putting in place to ensure that the new applicants obtain identity cards? I thank you.

Hon. John Kiarie, Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation, we are just having a slight variation to the Order Paper. We will allow you to lay the Paper and move the Notice of Motion.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table: The Report of the Departmental Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation on the vetting of the following nominees for appointment as Principal Secretaries: 1. Prof. Edward Waswa Kisiangani, State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunication. 2. Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, State Department for Information, Communication, Technology and Digital Economy. Thank you very much.

You may proceed to move your Notice of Motion.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to give notice of the following Motion:

THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Departmental Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation on the vetting of nominees for appointment as Principal Secretaries, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 1st December 2022, and pursuant to the provisions of Article 155(3)(b) of the Constitution, approves the appointment of the following persons as Principal Secretaries: 1. Prof. Edward Waswa Kisiangani, State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunication; and, 2. Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, State Department for Information, Communication, Technology and Digital Economy. Thank you very much. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for informationpurposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

Next Order. Hon. Members, we will be moving to Order Nos.9 and 10. We shall skip Order No.8 but we shall come back to it thereafter. Next Order.

We may now move back to Order 8.

Hon. Members, we are back to the business we transacted yesterday in the Committee of the whole House. The hon. Members who are standing all over, including Hon. Kaguchia – I know that as a first-timer, you may not be conversant with the rules of the House. A cardinal rule of this House is that when the Chairperson is upstanding and you hear his voice, you immediately sit down or you freeze wherever you are. He is a former Speaker of the County Assembly of Nyeri. Please, let us hear one another. Yesterday we had a small procedural lapse as we conducted this business, and a Communication has already been made in that respect. Incidentally, I was presiding over the Committee of the whole House. I am sure that the Chairperson of the Budget and Appropriations Committee was also misled, on the basis of which we transacted business that would ordinarily have been transacted differently. We are reversing that process now.

THAT, the First Schedule to the Bill be amended in column B— (a) by deleting— (i) the expression “40,000,000” appearing in item 9 and substituting therefor the expression “32,600,000”; (ii) the expression “22,000,000 appearing in item 21 and substituting therefor the expression “32,600,000”; (iii) the expression “59,000,000 appearing in item 35 and substituting therefor the expression “32,600,000”; (iv) the expression “42,000,000 appearing in item 40 and substituting therefor the expression “32,600,000”; and, (b) by inserting the expression “32,600,000” in item 41.

Chairperson of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, do you want to say something? We are reversing. I have already The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for informationpurposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

proposed the Question. If you have nothing to say, I will put the Question. Do you have something to say?

Yes.

Proceed.

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Chairperson for your guidance. I wholly agree that it is subject to Article 114 of the Constitution. On the whole issue of allocation of additional funds to the county governments, it is important that we consult the National Treasury for their input. I just want to bring this matter to speed because, generally speaking, we may agree with the amendment in terms of trying to allocate funds equally to the five counties charged with building their headquarters. However, procedurally, there is another House to consider – the Senate. Hon. Temporary Chairperson, having this particular Bill and given that the Senate is going on recess today, we will put a lot of other businesses and donor funds in abeyance. Therefore, I concur that we go ahead as you have guided.

Fair enough. Very well-articulated.

Hon. Members, having concluded the business of recommittal of the First Schedule, I call upon the Mover to move reporting.

Hon. Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move that the Committee do report to the House its consideration of the County Governments Additional Allocations (No.2) Bill (Senate Bill No.4 of 2022) and its approval thereof without amendments.

Precisely.

I call upon the Chairperson of the Committee of the whole House to report to the House.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to report that a Committee of the whole House has considered the County Governments Additional Allocations (No. 2) Bill (Senate Bill No.4 of 2022) and approved the same without amendments.

I now call upon the Mover of the Bill to move for agreement with the Report. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for informationpurposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee in the said Report. I request Hon. John Njuguna Kawanjiku from Kiambaa to second the Motion for agreement with the Report of the Committee of the whole House.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. As a Member of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, I second.

Mover, proceed to Third Reading.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to move that the County Governments Additional Allocations (No.2) Bill (Senate Bill No.4 of 2022) be now read a Third Time. Just for the record, and to put matters into perspective, the matter in question was with regard to the construction of headquarters of five counties which originally never had any premises to inherit, especially from the District Commissioners’ offices that existed before. The Bill from the Senate proposes that four counties do receive conditional grants because the construction of headquarters was ongoing. One county had been left out. It was the general feeling that we also incorporate it. Procedurally, we also thought that we may delay the disbursement of funds to other counties since this Bill came from the Senate, then to our Committee, and now to the plenary. Any other alterations would send the Bill back to the Senate. If there was no agreement, we would proceed to mediation.

With that in mind, the Senate is proceeding for recess today. Therefore, it would not have been proper to delay all other processes and disbursements because of rearrangement of the said funds. There are no additional funds. It is just a matter of rearranging the allocations. Of course, this Bill is subject to Article 114 of the Constitution. Having all that in mind, other counties would be disenfranchised through delays. It was important for me to put that on record and into perspective so that we are all on the same page. Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to move and request the Leader of the Majority Party, Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah, to second.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to second. The County Governments Additional Allocations (No. 2) Bill (Senate Bill No.4 of 2022) is quite critical for our counties. Many counties across the nation are waiting for funds, especially those that relate to donor funding and counterpart funding from the Government of Kenya. As I indicated yesterday, about Ksh5 billion is from the Government of Kenya and close to Ksh17 billion comes from our development partners who fund critical programmes in the water and health sectors. Let me also take this opportunity to tell our governors – both those serving their second terms and those serving their first terms – that, in the past, we have seen a lot of wastage even with donor funds coming in to alleviate problems in healthcare and water. We are asking all our governors to ensure that these funds, which amount to almost Ksh23 billion, do not go to waste. I have seen a number of new governors doing a lot of good work, especially in rationalizing staff levels in their counties to make sure that their wage bills come down so that more funds being allocated to them by the national Government can go towards development expenditure. I especially note the new Governor of Kisii County, who is a former Member of Parliament. It speaks well of Members who have served in this House who move on to become governors. Since they have been appropriating money to the counties, they know the The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for informationpurposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

importance of ensuring prudence in utilization of public funds. I commend the Governor of Kisii and quite a number of other governors I have seen doing good work in rationalizing expenditures in their counties. I encourage others to follow suit. Recent incidents between governors and their assemblies have been quite disturbing. I would like to use this opportunity to plead with governors, especially first-time governors. I know that when you are addressed by the title ‘Your Excellency’, at times it tends to go into your heads and you do not listen to other leaders. You start belittling Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) who are the legislators in county assemblies. Let us also speak to our governors and ask them to borrow a leaf from our President who consults and continuously engages with Members of Parliament in our Parliamentary Group Meetings and even outside, like during the ‘Hustlers Fund’ launch yesterday. Our governors should borrow a leaf from the President and engage with their county assemblies, both formally and informally, so that we see a seamless flow of services to Kenyans without unnecessary squabbles as we have seen in a number of counties. We can already see smoke billowing in a few other counties. There might be trouble in a number of counties very soon due to the attitude of a number of governors. I do not want to get into the business of mentioning names. They all know themselves and they better shape up before they are shipped out by MCAs. Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. I beg to second.

Hon. Members, I confirmed that we have the requisite quorum in the House for purposes of making a determination.

Put the Question!

Chairperson of the Select Committee on National Government Constituencies Development Fund, Hon. Sirma.

Eldama Ravine, UDA): Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to move the following Motion: THAT, pursuant to the provisions of Section 43(4) of the National Government Constituency Development Fund Act, 2015 and paragraphs 5(2) and (10) of the National Government Constituencies Development Fund Regulations, 2016, this House approves the list of nominees for appointment to the following two Constituency Committees of the National Government Constituency Development Fund, laid on the Table of the House on Wednesday, 30th November 2022:

Dagoretti South, UDA): Hon. Deputy Speaker, I do recognise that time is of essence. Noting the input of the Motion that has been moved, I wish to second.

Thank you very much Hon. Deputy Speaker.

We will continue to receive reports from the various committees as they become available. I now call upon Hon. Nelson Koech, Chair of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations.

It seems he is not here. I will now call upon the Chairperson, Committee on Delegated Legislation.

Bureti, UDA): Hon. Deputy Speaker, on behalf of the Chair of the Committee on Delegated Legislation, I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table of the House:

Report of the Select Committee on Delegated Legislation on its consideration of the Adjustment of Export Levy for Inflation made under the Miscellaneous Fees and Levies Act Regulations 2022, Legal Notice No. 203/2022

Report of the Select Committee on Delegated Legislation on its consideration of the Adjustment of Rates of Excise Duty for Inflation Regulations 2022, Legal Notice No. 204 /2022.

Report of the Select Committee on Delegated Legislation on its consideration of the Statutory Instruments, Exemption from Expiry, Regulations 2022, Legal Notice No. 214/2022.

Report of the Select Committee on Delegated Legislation on its consideration of the Statutory Instruments, Exemptions from Expiry Regulations of 2022 Legal Notice No. 218/2022.

Thank you Hon. Deputy Speaker.

Hon. Leader of the Majority, Hon. Kimani Ichung'wah, are you going to give a Notice of Motion on behalf of the Chairperson?

The representative of the Hon. Chairperson of the Select Committee on Delegated Legislation, you can now give Notice.

Bureti, UDA): Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to give notices of the following Motions: THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Select Committee on Delegated Legislation on its consideration of the Adjustment of Rates of Export Levy for Inflation, Regulations 2022, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 1st December 2022, and pursuant to the provisions of the Section 15(4) of the Statutory Instruments Act, 2013 The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for informationpurposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

approves the adjustment of rates of Export Levy for Inflation, Regulations 2022 published as Legal Notice 177 /2022.

Hon. Nelson Koech, the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations, can lay his Paper and give Notice of Motion. Let us move to the next person, Hon. James Gakuya, the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives.

Hon. Speaker, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table of the House: Report of the Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives on nominees for appointment as Principal Secretaries: 1. Mr. Alfred K’ombundo – State Department for Trade; 2. Mr. Abubakar Hassan – State Department for Investment Promotion; 3. Mr. Juma Mukhwana – State Department for Industry; 4. Mr. Patrick Kiburi Kilemi – State Department for Cooperatives; and, 5. Ms. Susan Mang’eni – State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for informationpurposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

Thank you, Deputy Hon. Speaker.

You may give your Notice of Motion.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to give notice of the following Motion: THAT, taking into consideration the findings of the Departmental Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives in its Report on Vetting of Nominees for Appointment as Principal Secretaries, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 1st December 2022, and pursuant to the provisions of Article 155 (3) (b) of the Constitution, this House approves the appointment of the following persons as Principal Secretaries: 1. Mr. Alfred K’ombundo – State Department for Trade; 2. Mr. Abubakar Hassan – State Department for Investment Promotion; 3. Mr. Juma Mukhwana – State Department for Industry; 4. Mr. Patrick Kiburi Kilemi – State Department for Cooperatives; and, 5. Ms. Susan Mang’eni – State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development. Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table of the House: Report of the Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining on the vetting of the following nominees for appointment as Principal Secretaries: 1. Mr. (Eng.) Festus Kipkoech Ng’eno – State Department for Environment. 2. Mr. Ephantus Kimotho Kimani

– State Department for Forestry. 3. Mr. Elijah Gitumbu Mwangi

– State Department for Mining.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to give notice of the following Motion: THAT, taking into consideration the findings of the Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining in its Report on the Vetting of Nominees for Appointment as Principal Secretaries, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 1st December 2022, and pursuant to the provisions of Article 155(3) (b) of the Constitution, this House approves the appointment of the following persons as Principal Secretaries: 1. Mr. (Eng.) Festus Kipkoech Ng’eno – State Department for Environment; 2. Mr. Ephantus Kimotho Kimani – State Department for Forestry; and, 3. Mr. Elijah Gitumbu Mwangi – State Department for Mining. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for informationpurposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

Hon. Joash Nyamoko, Chair of the Departmental Committee on Lands.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table of the House: Report of the Departmental Committee on Lands on the vetting of Hon. Nixon Korir for appointment as Principal Secretary for the State Department of Lands and Physical Planning.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to move the following Motion: THAT, taking into consideration the findings of the Departmental Committee on Lands in its Report on the Vetting of Nominee for Appointment as Principal Secretary, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 1st December 2022, and pursuant to the provisions of Article 155(3)(b) of the Constitution, this House approves the appointment of Hon. Nixon Korir as the Principal Secretary, State Department for Lands and Physical Planning. Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

Thank you, Hon. “Sir” George Murugara, Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to lay the following Papers on the Table of the House: Report of the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs on: 1. Petitions for the removal from office of – (a) Ms. Juliana Cherera; (b) Ms. Irene Masit; (c) Mr. Justus Nyang’aya; and, (d) Mr. Francis Wanderi as Commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). 2. The vetting of Ms. Mary Muthoni Muriuki for appointment as Principal Secretary for the State Department of Correctional Services. Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

Proceed to give Notice of Motion.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to give notice of the following Motion: THAT, this House considers and adopts the Report of the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs on Petitions by the Republican Liberty Party, Rev. Dennis Ndwiga Nthumbi, Mr. Geoffrey Langat and Mr. Owuor Steve Gerry, seeking the removal of four specified commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 1st December 2022 and, pursuant to the provisions of Article 251 (3) of the Constitution, finds – (a) THAT, the Petition by the Republican Liberty Party discloses serious violations of the Constitution or other laws as a ground for removal of Ms. Juliana Whonge Cherera; Ms. Irene Cherop Masit; Mr. Francis Mathenge Wanderi, and Mr. Justus Abonyo Nyang’aya as Commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. (b) THAT, the Petition by Rev. Dennis Ndwiga Nthumbi discloses serious violations of the Constitution or other laws, gross misconduct and incompetence as grounds for the removal of Ms. Juliana Whonge Cherera; Ms. Irene Cherop Masit; Mr. Francis Mathenge Wanderi, and Mr. Justus Abonyo Nyang’aya, as Commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. (c) THAT, the Petition by Geoffrey Langat discloses serious violations of the Constitution or other laws, gross misconduct and incompetence as grounds for removal of Ms. Juliana Whonge Cherera; Ms. Irene Cherop Masit; Mr. Francis Mathenge Wanderi and Mr. Justus Abonyo Nyang’aya as Commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. (d) THAT, the Petition by Mr. Owuor Steve Gerry discloses serious violations of the Constitution or other laws, gross misconduct and incompetence as grounds for the removal of Ms. Juliana Whonge Cherera; Ms. Irene Cherop Masit; Mr. Francis Mathenge Wanderi and Mr. Justus Abonyo Nyang’aya as Commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. 2. Resolves: (i) THAT, the Petitions herein together with materials in support thereof, be sent to His Excellency the President pursuant to Article 251(3) of the Constitution; (ii) THAT, His Excellency the President, appoints a tribunal to deal with the matters in accordance with Article 251(5) of the Constitution; and, (iii) THAT, His Excellency the President suspends the Commissioners herein pending the determination by the tribunal. Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

Tharaka, UDA): Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to give notice of the following Motion: THAT, taking into consideration the findings of the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs in its Report on the vetting of a Nominee for Appointment as Principal Secretary, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 1st December 2022 and pursuant to the provisions of Article 155(3)(b) of the Constitution, this House approves the appointment of Ms. Mary Muthoni Muriuki as Principal Secretary, State Department for Correctional Services. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for informationpurposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

Hon. Gabriel Tongoyo, Chairperson, Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table of the House: Report of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs on the vetting of the following nominees for the appointment as Principal Secretaries: 1. Mr. Julius Korir, State Department for Cabinet Affairs. 2. Mr. Aurelia Rono, State Department for Parliamentary Affairs. 3. Dr. Raymond Omollo, State Department for Interior and National Administration. 4. Amb. (Prof.) Julius Bitok, State Department for Citizen Services. 5. Ms. Esther Ngero, State Department for Performance and Delivery Management.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to give notice of the following Motion: THAT, taking into consideration the findings of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs in its Report on the Vetting of Nominees for Appointment as Principal Secretaries, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 1st December 2022 and pursuant to the provisions of Article 155(3)(b) of the Constitution, this House approves the appointment of the following persons as Principal Secretaries: 1. Mr. Julius Korir, State Department for Cabinet Affairs; 2. Ms. Aurelia Rono, State Department for Parliamentary Affairs; 3. Dr. Raymond Omollo, State Department for Interior and National Administration; 4. Amb (Prof.) Julius Bitok, State Department for Citizen Services; and, 5. Ms. Esther Ngero, State Department for Performance and Delivery Management.

Hon. Daniel Wanyama, Chairperson of Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table:

Report of the Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture, on the vetting of the following nominees for appointment as Principal Secretaries: 1. Mr. Jonathan Mwangangi Mueke, State Department for Sports and Arts. 2. Ms. Ummi Mohamed Bashir, State Department for Culture and Heritage.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to give notice of the following Motion: THAT, taking into consideration the findings of the Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture in its Report on the Vetting of Nominees for Appointment as Principal Secretaries, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 1st December 2022 and pursuant to the provisions of Article 155(3) (b) of the Constitution, this House approves the appointment of the following persons as Principal Secretaries: 1. Mr Jonathan Mwangangi Mueke, State Department for Sports and the Arts; and, 2. Ms Ummi Mohamed Bashir, State Department for Culture and Heritage.

Hon. Eric Muchangi, Chairperson, Departmental Committee on Labour.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table of the House: Report of the Departmental Committee on Labour on the vetting of the following nominees for appointment as Principal Secretaries: 1. Mr. Geoffrey Kaituku, State Department for Labour and Skills Development. 2. Mr. Amos Gatheca, State Department for Public Service.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to give notice for the following Motion: THAT, taking into consideration the findings of the Departmental Committee on Labour in its Report on the Vetting of Nominees for Appointment as Principal Secretaries, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 1st December 2022 and pursuant to the provisions of Article 155(3)(b) of the Constitution, this House approves the appointment of the following persons as Principal Secretaries: 1. Mr. Geoffrey Kaituku, State Department for Labour and Skills Development; and, 2. Mr. Amos Gatheca, State Department for Public Service.

What is your point of order, Hon. Rozaah Buyu?

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. I would like to bring to your attention that we currently do not have quorum.

Hon. Chairperson, Hon. Eric Muchangi, you may complete your Notice of Motion?

I have.

Serjeant-at-Arms, ring the Quorum Bell for another 10 minutes.

Hon. Members, kindly do not leave because we are calling for quorum. Could the Whips try and get Members to come in? We now have quorum, and so we may proceed. Hon. George Kariuki, the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table of the House: Report of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure on vetting of the following nominees for appointment as Principal Secretaries: 1. Mr. Joseph Mungai Mbugua – State Department for Roads. 2. Mr. Mohammed Dhagar – State Department for Transport. 3. Mr. Shadrack Mwadime – State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs.

You may proceed to give notice of the Motion.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I wish to give notice of the following Motion: THAT, taking into consideration the findings of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure in its Report on Vetting of Nominees for Appointment as Principal Secretaries, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 1st December 2022 and pursuant to the provisions of Article 155(3)(b) of the Constitution, this House approves the appointment of the following persons as Principal Secretaries: 1. Mr. Joseph Mungai Mbugua – State Department for Roads; 2. Mr. Mohammed Dhagar – State Department for Transport; and, 3. Mr. Shadrack Mwadime – State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs.

Hon. Nelson Koech the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table of the House: Report of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations on vetting of the following nominees for appointment as Principal Secretaries: 1. Mr. Patrick Mariru - State Department of Defence. 2. Dr. Abraham Korir arap Sing’oei - State Department of Foreign Affairs. 3. Ms. Roseline Kathure Njogu - State Department for Diaspora Affairs; and, 4. Mr. Abdi Dubat Fidhow - State Department for East African Community Affairs.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to give notice of the following Motion. THAT, taking into consideration the findings of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations in its Report on the Vetting of Nominees for Appointment as Principal Secretaries, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 1st December 2022 and pursuant to the provisions of Article 155(3)(b) of the Constitution, this House approves the appointment of the following persons as Principal Secretaries: 1. Mr. Patrick Mariru - State Department of Defence; 2. Dr. Abraham Korir arap Sing’oei - State Department for Foreign Affairs; 3. Ms. Roseline Kathure Njogu – State Department for Diaspora Affairs; and, 4. Mr. Abdi Dubat Fidhow – State Department for East African Community Affairs.

Next Order!

The Leader of the Majority Party.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. The business listed as Order No.13 on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No.42 of 2022) is listed for second hearing today. Sorry, Second Reading. I am surrounded by too many lawyers that I am getting accustomed to hearings instead of readings. Because of the myriad court cases the National Assembly has on matters to do with the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) and many other issues, I am getting mixed-up by hearings and readings. This Bill is scheduled for Second Reading and not hearing as I said, although it is also a hearing because the people of Kenya are hearing as we debate very important issues to do with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. Hon. Deputy Speaker, you remember we passed the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Bill in the 12th Parliament and a section of that Act was invalidated by the courts and that is what has necessitated this Bill.

As you are aware, the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs is currently sitting to finalise the report on public participation. With that in mind, I request that this Bill be rescheduled to this afternoon once the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs has finished. I beg your indulgence I will also be making a communication in the afternoon on issues pertaining to the National Government Constituencies Development Fund and the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF). I know many Members are very apprehensive about issues of the NGAAF and the NG-CDF. There is already a letter that has been sent to Parliament by The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for informationpurposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning on fulfilling his promise. We will be doing that this afternoon.

(Spoke off-record)

(Kikuyu, UDA) Hon. Deputy Speaker, my good friend, Hon. Odhiambo, is shouting something from her seat which I cannot hear clearly. She seems to be advising on the NGAAF and the NG-CDF. I will be making that communication this afternoon. I, therefore, beg your indulgence that we move the two issues to this afternoon following consultations with the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs. I will consult the Clerk on tracing the letter from the Cabinet Secretary.

This Bill is very important. I beg Members to be available this afternoon to discuss it. As you are aware, the President has already exercised powers that are bestowed on him by the IEBC Act. Members are aware that the terms of three commissioners come to an end at the end of January. The other four commissioners are subject to a petition that was already in the hands of the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs. Without pre-empting any debate, I saw the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs has already tabled the Report on the petitions touching on the four commissioners. Therefore, there is an imminent danger that the country runs the risk of not having a Commission. That is why it is very important that we expedite this IEBC Bill before we proceed on recess to allow the Senate time to also consider it because it is a Bill that touches on counties. Election of members of county assemblies (MCAs), Senators, governors, Members of Parliament and the President are all presided over by the IEBC. There are by-elections due as early as next week. I do not know if there are some scheduled for January. Anything could happen to occasion by-elections. Therefore, the country cannot operate without a Commission. With the terms of three commissioners coming to an end and the fate of the other four commissioners lying in the hands of this Assembly, should anything adverse be decided, we run the risk of not having a Commission. That is why I beg Members to be available this afternoon to consider the Bill, even as we apprise you on other very important issues. There is also the issue of Principal Secretaries. Members are aware that Principal Secretaries are the accounting officers in ministries. Many issues that affect our people in the constituencies are addressed through ministries, be it education or roads. Without substantive holders of those offices, the outgoing Principal Secretaries may not be very enthusiastic about dealing with issues that we take to their offices knowing that they are on their way out. It is equally important that before we proceed on recess, we approve all Principal Secretaries to ensure that our ministries have accounting officers. When we patronise those offices, we will get help for our constituents because we will have Government officers who can attend to their issues. Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg for your indulgence that you direct that we consider these two matters in the afternoon. I know that the IEBC and other electoral matters are quite emotive, but as responsible leaders in the country, we must ensure that all our institutions, from the IEBC to other constitutional commissions, are well-resourced and well-quorate. I must commend committees that have been working to ensure that we achieve this objective. I am aware that the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning is working on the nominees appointed to the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA). I commend the entire leadership, even the Minority side, because they worked very hard over the weekend to ensure that the CRA also quorate. Hon. Deputy Speaker, with your indulgence, I beg that this business be considered in the afternoon.

I have agreed that Order No.13 be stepped down to later in the afternoon. Leader of the Minority Party, you cannot shout, and so, I will ignore you. You have The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for informationpurposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

not pressed the intervention button. I give the Floor to Hon. Kareke Mbiuki, Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Tourism and Wildlife.

(Maara, UDA)

You may proceed to give notice of Motion.

(Maara, UDA)

Leader of the Minority Party, I earlier chose to ignore you because you were shouting instead of pressing the intervention button. Now you are in order because you have pressed the intervention button.

Hon. Deputy Speaker, the Leader of the Minority Party cannot shout. The Leader of the Minority Party holds a constitutional office and cannot shout unnecessarily in the House. He or she can only express himself or herself on pertinent issues that concern the country. I have two issues. First, I agree with Hon. Ichung’wah on the important pending matter of the NG-CDF. If I heard him correctly, he undertook to report back to the House in the afternoon on that matter. That is critical. I can see Members are very eager and happy to prosecute business, but you will come back and thank me later. If this matter of the NG-CDF is treated as casually as we are treating it, it will come back to haunt us. This matter has the potential of sending nearly 90 per cent of us home come 2027. My friend, Hon. Mbiuki, who is my agemate, knows very well that that issue has been very instrumental in making us come back here. Therefore, we shall be waiting eagerly, very eagerly, to hear what the Leader of the Majority Party has to say on that very important issue.

If you make a mistake, and let me repeat this, Members, if you make a mistake of leaving this House this evening for recess without getting to know when the money is going to hit your accounts in the constituencies, you are dead and buried; literally speaking. That is a very serious issue. I am sure whoever is responsible has heard us.

I have seen this House change positions. You have been with us here, Hon. Deputy Speaker. In this House, positions have changed. One time you are in majority, the other time you are in the minority. What has not changed is the interest of our constituents. I want to plead The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for informationpurposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

with you Members, that even as we rush to conclude some business, be sure that there is a lot of problems waiting for us out there. Secondly, I have seen the Leader of the Majority Party ask you, and you made your ruling. I cannot dispute your ruling. I do not want to do that. We must go back and start respecting our own rules. Business in this House is scheduled by the House Business Committee. Every possible business in this House is scheduled by the House Business Committee which is chaired by none other than the Speaker of the House. There is a reason why the House Business Committee is the only Committee which is chaired by the Speaker. In the previous dispensation, before the Constitution of Kenya 2010, the House Business Committee was a Committee of the House which was populated by nearly all ministers then. That goes a long way to show you how important that Committee is. A House of Parliament cannot engage in any business without being approved by the House Business Committee, including the time allocated. It is not enough to say that the House Business Committee had allowed this business to come on this day. It must be on a specific timeline. If it is in the Morning Sitting, it must be in the morning sitting. It cannot be changed arbitrarily from morning to afternoon.

What is your point?

My point is that this House has a duty to respect its own rules. That is my point. Therefore, the proposal to push the business on the amendment Bill on the IEBC Act to the afternoon is irregular. It is unprocedural.

Of course, you will have the time to speak, Hon. Ichung’wah. Just listen to me and get my point.

Leader of the Majority Party, do you have a point of order?

Let me just conclude and then he can have the whole day to speak. We play by the rules, but more critically is that as we continue with these deliberations, Hon. Members, including you, Hon. Deputy Speaker, we must be conscious of what is in our best interests as a House.

The Leader of the Majority Party.

Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. I am sorry the Leader of the Minority Party thought I wanted to interrupt him. I wanted to inform him. The Leader of the Minority Party is a ranking Member of the House Business Committee, which sits every Tuesday. We, indeed, had a meeting this Tuesday and the only sad thing is that the Leader of the Minority Party cannot stand before the House and purport there is business that is irregularly before the House knowing all too well that at the time the House Business Committee was sitting this Tuesday, there was not a single Member of the Minority Party in it. They were busy with their party leader planning rallies that they wanted to hold, I do not know to protect who against what. Therefore, it is very unfortunate that the Leader of the Minority Party would stand before the House and purport that such important business was not considered in a House Business Committee which he is entitled to attend and failed to as he attended to other unnecessary gatherings. I want to encourage the Leader of the Minority Party, with all due respect to him, when you were elected by the people of Ugunja and when all leaders in the minority are elected to represent their people in this House, you were elected to come and represent your people. Even in the House Business Committee, you come to represent people in that Committee. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for informationpurposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.

When your party leader directs you, even as he did in the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs to lead you to walk out of a committee of Parliament, then you belittle the people who elected you and you are telling them that you cannot make decisions as leaders by yourselves; that you have to wait for your party leader to direct you on which meeting to attend, when to walk out, when to stand, and when to sit. Please, act as leaders who can take charge of business before the House. You had the opportunity to appear in the House Business Committee as a Leader of the Minority Party. You had the business of even mobilising other leaders in the minority to attend the House Business Committee and have your say in it. You cannot now come and stand before the national television because you know you are on air, to pretend that this business did not come. You are not only misleading Members who are seated here, but the entire country. You should be bold enough, Hon. Opiyo, to tell the country that you do not have the audacity and the guts to stand on your two feet as the Leader of the Minority Party. Lead the minority. Stop allowing the former Prime Minister to lead the minority from outside the House. Even the President is not leading this House and the majority from outside the House, my brother. It is not in your standing, Leader of the Minority Party, to tell me when to stand or when to sit. I sit when I am directed by the Speaker, not you.

Leader of the Majority Party, you have made your point. Leader of the Minority Party, you already had your say. I have ruled on that matter and, therefore, we shall proceed.

Hon. Members, the time being 11.45 a.m., this House stands adjourned until today, Thursday, 1st December 2022 at 2.30 p.m.

The House rose at 11.45 a.m.

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Clerk of the National Assembly Parliament Buildings Nairobi The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for informationpurposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor.