National Assembly · Afternoon Sitting

Thursday, 19 September 2024

Session Summary

Members debated a motion to move parliamentary reporting onto online platforms, highlighting the potential for greater transparency, accountability and public participation. While several MPs expressed strong support, concerns were raised about rural internet access, digital illiteracy, and the financial costs of upgrading infrastructure. The discussion underscored the need to balance technological advancement with constitutional inclusivity. The debate began with a grave allegation of a South‑African man exploiting children under seven in Kilifi County, prompting calls for security forces to locate him and for medical and legal protection for the victims. The discussion then shifted to Igembe Central, where violent land disputes between original residents and invading groups have resulted in deaths, injuries and displacement, leading members to request a statement from the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs and urgent government intervention. Across both issues, MPs emphasized the need for swift action, accountability and protection of citizens’ rights. Members debated a motion to adopt the Committee on Implementation's report on improving online parliamentary reporting and tracking the status of petitions and resolutions. While some praised the potential for greater transparency and urged investment in digital infrastructure, others highlighted procedural delays and expressed strong frustration that many parliamentary resolutions remain unimplemented, calling for stronger accountability mechanisms.

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Hon. Deputy Speaker

Hon. Members, there is no quorum. Serjeant-at-Arms, ring the Bell for 10 minutes. Hon. Members, we now have quorum. We may begin with the first Order. Stop the Bell.

[(The Quorum Bell was rung)]

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Hon. Deputy Speaker

Hon. Pukose are you standing in for the Leader of the Majority Party? Proceed

Robert Pukose
Hon. (Dr) Robert Pukose (Endebess, UDA)United Democratic Alliance

Hon. Deputy Speaker, on behalf of the Leader of the Majority Party, I beg to lay the following papers on the Table:

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Hon. Deputy Speaker

I think you need to repeat the last three for record purposes.

Robert Pukose
Hon. (Dr) Robert Pukose (Endebess, UDA)United Democratic Alliance

It is which number?

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Hon. Deputy Speaker

Next Order. Are there more papers? Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations. Hon. Nelson Koech, you may proceed.

Nelson Koech
Hon. Nelson Koech (Belgut, UDA)United Democratic Alliance

Thank you very much, Hon. Deputy Speaker. I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table: Report of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations on its consideration of Protocol to the Constitutive Act of the African Union relating to the Pan-African Parliament.

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Hon. Deputy Speaker

Next is the Chairperson of the Select Committee on National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity, Hon. Adan Yusuf.

Adan Haji Yussuf
Hon. Yusuf Adan (Mandera West, UDM)United Democratic Movement

Hon. Deputy Speaker. I beg to lay the following Paper on the Table: Report of the Select Committee on National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity on its consideration of the National Cohesion and Integration Bill, (National Assembly Bill, No 74 of 2023) . I thank you.

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Hon. Deputy Speaker

Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence of the following schools that are seated in the Public Gallery: Nyanchwa Boys High School from Kisii Central Constituency in Kisii County; Karima Mixed Secondary School from Naivasha Constituency, Nakuru County; Fadhili Junior School from Embakasi West Constituency, Nairobi County; and Embakasi High School from Mavoko Constituency, Machakos County. On…

Nelson Koech
Hon. Nelson Koech (Belgut, UDA)United Democratic Alliance

Hon. Deputy Speaker, I beg to give notice of the following Motion: THAT, this House adopts the Report of the Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations on its consideration of the Protocol to the Constitutive Act of the African Union relating to the Pan-African Parliament, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 19th September 2024 and, pursuant to the provisions of…

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Hon. Deputy Speaker

Let us have the Member for Malindi Constituency, Hon. Amina Mnyazi. The Member is not here. Next is a request for statement by Hon. William Kamket, the Member for Tiaty.

Mnyazi Amina Laura
Hon. Amina Mnyazi (Malindi, ODM)Orange Democratic Movement

Hon. Deputy Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44 (2) (c) , I wish to request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs regarding the status of investigations into sexual assault allegations committed by Mr. Michael James Ballantine Noble in Malindi Constituency. There have been deeply concerning reports filed with…

Mnyazi Amina Laura
Hon. Amina Mnyazi (Malindi, ODM)Orange Democratic Movement

underscores a pressing situation in Malindi which necessitates prompt action by the Government, including the issuance of a red alert for the suspect. The residents of Malindi now continue to live in a state of fear and uncertainty, with no success in capturing the suspect or identifying his whereabouts by local law enforcement agents. The gravity of those alleged crimes, the vulnerability of the …

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Hon. Deputy Speaker

Thank you. I will allow two comments on that request for a statement. Is there anyone? Okay, there is no interest. Let us move to the next Order. The request for a statement by Hon. Amina is committed to the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs. Hon. Raso, are you representing the Chairman? How long will you take to give a response to Hon. Mnyazi?

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Hon. Deputy Speaker, we will need about two weeks to respond. What she has raised was in the media. It is a very unpleasant thing that can happen in Kenya in the modern times; that one individual can abuse so many children and get away with it. That situation should not be allowed to continue. So, with your indulgence, as a Committee, we ask for two weeks.

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Hon. Deputy Speaker

Hon. Mbeyu.

Gertrude Mbeyu Mwanyanje

Mhe. Naibu Spika, naungana na Mbunge wa Malindi, Mhe. Amina Mnyazi kwa kauli hii. Huyu mwanaume wa takriban miaka arobaini amekuwa na hiyo tabia ndani ya Malindi na Watamu, Kaunti ya Kilifi. Huwa anatumia watoto wadogo. Amefanya hivyo mara nyingi. Amekimbia kwa muda sasa zaidi ya takriban miezi miwili. Wanasema hawajui yuko wapi. Hajatafutwa lakini asili yake ni Afrika Kusini, hapa karibu tu. Haja…

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Hon. Deputy Speaker

Ahsante. Before we move to the answers to the Questions by the various chairpersons, we can have the request for a statement by the Member for Igembe Central, Hon. Karitho. Is he here? Proceed.

Kiili Daniel Karitho

Hon. Deputy Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 44 (2) (c) , I rise to request for a statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs regarding criminal activities in Ndoleli- Athiru Ruujine-Kirugugu Villages in Igembe Central Constituency. The Ndoleli-Athiru Ruujine in Kirugugu Villages in Igembe Central Constituency have been experiencing land …

[[The Deputy Speaker (Hon. Gladys Boss) left the Chair] [The Temporary Speaker (Hon. David Ochieng’) took the Chair]]

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The Temporary Speaker (Hon. David Ochieng’)

Hon. Raso, I hope you have heard the request for a statement. Order, Hon. Kirima.

[(Hon. Moses Kirima spoke off the record)]

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Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Give us two weeks to respond.

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The Temporary Speaker (Hon. David Ochieng’)

Hon. Kirima, what do you want to say on this request for a statement? Give him the microphone.

Moses Nguchine Kirima
Hon. Moses Kirima (Central Imenti, UDA)United Democratic Alliance

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I wanted to add a short comment to what my colleague has just said. This issue of people being shot in the Ndoleli area is rampant. It has caused a lot of harm to our people to an extent that we have lost about 20 people due to that conflict. Lastly, I lost my church Chairman in that kind of an incident, while he was visiting his land. He was shot with a poisone…

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The Temporary Speaker (Hon. David Ochieng’)

Hon. Member, I cannot see your card here. Hon. Ikiara.

Ikiara Dorothy Muthoni
Hon. Dorothy Muthoni (Nominated, UDA)United Democratic Alliance

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I strongly support this request for a statement by Hon. Daniel Kiili Karitho. Land matters are very emotive, especially in areas where land has title deeds. It is the duty of the Government to protect life and property of its citizens. I further propose that this matter be expedited, so that we do not continue losing lives in the pretence that people are invadin…

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The Temporary Speaker (Hon. David Ochieng’)

Hon. Murugara.

George Gitonga Murugara
Hon. George Murugara (Tharaka, UDA)United Democratic Alliance

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I agree that title deeds are sacrosanct. Owners are always treated as the first owners of the particular land, especially where there is a dispute. But, interesting situations arise which are common between Tharaka-Nithi and Meru. This is where we have land owners who have title deeds, but they do not know where their lands are. That is because they wer…

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The Temporary Speaker (Hon. David Ochieng’)

Hon. Mulyungi.

Gideon Mutemi Mulyungi
Hon. Gideon Mulyungi (Mwingi Central, WDM)Wiper Democratic Movement - Kenya

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I rise to support this request for a statement. We have similar problems of land conflicts in Mwingi Central between Tana River and Mwingi, where camels come and graze on our land. Therefore, I support this request for a statement. I also want to raise another matter. I requested for a statement from the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Admini…

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The Temporary Speaker (Hon. David Ochieng’)

You know what to do. You should not do that inside another request for a statement. This request for a statement is directed to the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs. Hon. Raso has already said

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The Temporary Speaker (Hon. David Ochieng’)

that within two weeks, he will have brought a response back to the House. Let us rest this matter there. Hon. Members, join me in welcoming students and pupils from Karuri High School, Kiambaa Constituency, Kiambu County; Kirarwa Secondary School, Kinangop Constituency, Nyandarua County; Kiliku Mixed Secondary School, Kibwezi West, Makueni County and Kirangari High School, Kabete Constituency, Ki…

Yegon Brighton Leonard
Hon. Brighton Yegon (Konoin, UDA)United Democratic Alliance

the limited available maize seeds stocks are not exported to safeguard seeds requirement in the year 2024. The maize seeds industry has initiated a rapid results initiative approach in pursuit of addressing the shortage. Under this approach, 37,500 acres of land are required for the maize seeds production. Kenya Seed Company has dedicated 33,000 acres of land for maize seeds production and meet t…

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The Temporary Speaker (Hon. Farah Maalim)

Okay. Let us have Hon. Kasiwai. Please proceed.

Kasiwai Rael Kasiwai

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I want to thank the Chairperson for the response and good report explaining the factors that contributed to the maize seed shortage in the North Rift Region. Although the answer is coming late, it will help us in the next planting season. Of concern, are the 400 registered seeds distributors in the North Rift Region who are holding the maize seeds and selling the…

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The Temporary Speaker (Hon. Farah Maalim)

Proceed, Chairperson. Do you want to weigh in again?

Yegon Brighton Leonard
Hon. Brighton Yegon (Konoin, UDA)United Democratic Alliance

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. There are 400 certified seed distributors across North Rift who supply certified seeds. We have noted that they are selling those seeds to farmers at exorbitant prices. That is why the Ministry is trying to curb that malpractice in the market. It is taking proper measures to ensure that prices are regulated as per the indicated market price for maize seeds so tha…

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The Temporary Speaker (Hon. Farah Maalim)

Hon. Kasiwai, are you satisfied? Proceed.

Kasiwai Rael Kasiwai

I am waiting to see that happening, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Thank you.

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The Temporary Speaker (Hon. Farah Maalim)

There being no other interest on this matter, we will have a response to a statement request by Hon. Irene Mayaka from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture. Could we have that response Committee Chair or a representative of the Committee?

Daniel Wanyama Sitati
Hon. Daniel Wanyama (Webuye West, UDA)United Democratic Alliance

Hon. Temporary Speaker, on Wednesday, 24th July 2024, during the afternoon sitting, Hon. Irene Mayaka requested for a statement regarding the position of the Kenya National Under-17 years football team. Specifically, the Member sought a response to two issues. One of the issues was plans that the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports and Arts, in consultation with the Ministry of Education, has made t…

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The Temporary Speaker (Hon. Farah Maalim)

Hon. Irene Mayaka, proceed.

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Hon. Irene Mayaka (Nominated, UDA)

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. Let me take this opportunity to thank the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee, Hon. Dan Wanyama, for ensuring that we got an appropriate response despite the fact that we were on recess. I am very happy now because yesterday, together with Hon. Elachi who has just walked in, I was able to witness the official flag off of the Harambee Starlets under 17 team…

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Hon. Irene Mayaka (Nominated, UDA)

girls to participate in that global event. I especially thank the relevant authorities for making arrangements to ensure that the six girls who will miss the KCSE exams which will be administered during the World Cup period, sit for the exams when they come back to the country. Secondly, I appreciate the support that the girls have received from the Ministries and the Presidency. Thirdly, I wish …

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The Temporary Speaker (Hon. Farah Maalim)

Fair enough. I think you are not seeking any more clarification and, therefore, we are safe to go to the next Statement. Hon. Keynan has a Statement to make on behalf of the House Business Committee. Please, proceed.

Keynan Wehliye Adan

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I would like to make a Statement on behalf of the House Business Committee. Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 44 (2) (a) , I rise to give a Statement on behalf of the House Business Committee, which met on Tuesday, 17th September to prioritise business for consideration during the coming week. But, first, I wish to take this opportunity to welcome Mem…

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The Temporary Speaker (Hon. Farah Maalim)

Fair enough. Before we go to the next Order, I wish to acknowledge the presence of students or pupils from Nzouni Comprehensive School from Mwingi Central Constituency, Kitui County. Is there any Member of Parliament from Kitui who would want to say a word or two to motivate these young Kenyans who have come to see how our Parliament works? Yes, proceed, Hon. KJ.

John Kiarie Waweru
Hon. John Kiarie (Dagoretti South, UDA)United Democratic Alliance

Are we welcoming the students?

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The Temporary Speaker (Hon. Farah Maalim)

Yes, proceed and welcome the students. The Temporary Speaker has already welcomed them, but of course you can…

John Kiarie Waweru
Hon. John Kiarie (Dagoretti South, UDA)United Democratic Alliance

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

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The Temporary Speaker (Hon. Farah Maalim)

As a young man and a legislator, you must have some wise words for these young people. Proceed.

John Kiarie Waweru
Hon. John Kiarie (Dagoretti South, UDA)United Democratic Alliance

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. It may be lost to many how I would have any connections to the former Eastern Province, but let me declare my interest that my birth mother, Hannah Ndindi Mutiso, actually hails from what was the then larger Machakos County, which has since been divided into Makueni and Machakos counties. It is amazing to have a whole contingent of young people joining…

John Kiarie Waweru
Hon. John Kiarie (Dagoretti South, UDA)United Democratic Alliance

So, issues to do with education, the plight of the youth, their welfare, and everything else that concerns a Kenyan are canvased on the Floor of this House. Resolutions emerge, deliberations are made, and we pass laws and Motions. All that is done because of what they read on the banner that we see at the door as we enter the Chamber that states that we are here for the welfare of society and the …

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The Temporary Speaker (Hon. Farah Maalim)

Hon. Basil, I am looking for Members from the larger Kitui County. Do you come from Machakos County?

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Hon. Robert Basil (Yatta, WDM)

Yes, I come from Machakos County, but I can welcome them.

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The Temporary Speaker (Hon. Farah Maalim)

Please, proceed.

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Hon. Robert Basil (Yatta, WDM)

There is a Member from Kitui County who is present, Hon. Nzengu.

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The Temporary Speaker (Hon. Farah Maalim)

Take a minute and then I can give an opportunity to Hon. Nzengu before we proceed to other substantive business.

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Hon. Robert Basil (Yatta, WDM)

Although I cannot see the students from where I am, I welcome them to Parliament.

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The Temporary Speaker (Hon. Farah Maalim)

Go to a place where they can see you so that they know who you are. They can see the screens, but just go to a place where they can also see you.

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Hon. Robert Basil (Yatta, WDM)

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I also represent the Gen Zs in Parliament. To the young students, karibuni sana. This is the august House, the 13th Parliament. I represent Yatta Constituency. Do not feel like you are too far from being here. We all went through the same process. When we came here to visit, we used to wonder whether we would ever find ourselves in this House. You are on the right path. Jus…

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The Temporary Speaker (Hon. Farah Maalim)

Hon. Nzengu.

Paul Musyimi Nzengu
Hon. (Eng.) Paul Nzengu (Mwingi North, WDM)Wiper Democratic Movement - Kenya

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to welcome the students from Mwingi Central to the 13th Parliament. Congratulations for making it to this place. In 1988, I was a Class 8 student. During the transition period from primary school to secondary school, I used to come here and sit in that Public Gallery and watch the likes of Hon. Martin Shikuku debate. So, you are in …

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The Temporary Speaker (Hon. Farah Maalim)

Fair enough. Let us go to the next Order.

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The Temporary Speaker (Hon. Farah Maalim)

Where is the Mover? Proceed.

Paul Musyimi Nzengu
Hon. (Eng.) Paul Nzengu (Mwingi North, WDM)Wiper Democratic Movement - Kenya

Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I take this opportunity to thank the Members who have contributed to the debate on the Bill. I want to particularly thank the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock, who took a lot of time to go through the Bill and elaborate its advantages. I know that most Members did not get the opportunity to interact with the Bill, but it is a…

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The Temporary Speaker (Hon. Farah Maalim)

We are not going to put the Question on this debate. It is deferred to another appropriate date to be determined by the Speaker. Next Order.

[(Putting of the Question deferred)]

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The Temporary Speaker (Hon. Farah Maalim)

I do not see any interest on the screen. Hon. Beatrice Elachi, is this an old request or you intend to contribute?

Elachi Beatrice Kadeveresia

It is old.

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The Temporary Speaker (Hon. Farah Maalim)

Okay. Under the circumstances, we shall have to call upon the Mover to reply. Where is the Mover? Is he in the House? This is also now deferred to another date.

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The Temporary Speaker (Hon. Farah Maalim)

This is also an old debate, and there is no interest except Hon. Beatrice Elachi. Are you interested?

[(Hon. Beatrice Elachi spoke off the record)]

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The Temporary Speaker (Hon. Farah Maalim)

It is an old one. Okay. Under the circumstances, I also call upon the Mover to reply. Where is the Mover? The Mover is not in. So, that business is deferred to another date when the Mover will reply and the Question will be put. (Motion deferred) Next Order.

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The Temporary Speaker (Hon. Farah Maalim)

Is the Chairperson of the

Raphael Bitta Sauti Wanjala
Hon. Raphael Wanjala (Budalangi, ODM)Orange Democratic Movement

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I beg to move the following Motion: THAT, this House adopts the First Report of the Committee on Implementation on the implementation status of Reports on Petitions and Resolutions passed by the House, laid on the Table of the House on 26th October

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The Temporary Speaker (Hon. Farah Maalim)

You have to be seconded.

Raphael Bitta Sauti Wanjala
Hon. Raphael Wanjala (Budalangi, ODM)Orange Democratic Movement

I now request Hon. Koimburi to second the Motion. I request Hon. Mwalyo to second the Motion.

[(An hon. Member spoke off the record)]

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The Temporary Speaker (Hon. Farah Maalim)

Hon. Mwalyo, proceed. Give him the microphone.

Joshua Mbithi Mwalyo

Hon. Temporary Speaker, I second.

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The Temporary Speaker (Hon. Farah Maalim)

Fair enough.

[(Question proposed)]

David Ouma Ochieng'
Hon. David Ochieng’ (Ugenya, MDG)Movement for Democracy and Growth

Thank you very much, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I thank the Committee chaired by Hon. Wanjala, my neighbour at home, for a good Report. The National Assembly, and Parliament as a whole, operates through Bills, resolutions and petitions. To know how effective our role is and that Parliament has "teeth" depends almost entirely on the adherence to and implementation of the resolutions that are made by …

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The Temporary Speaker (Hon. Farah Maalim)

Proceed. Give him an additional two or three minutes.

David Ouma Ochieng'
Hon. David Ochieng’ (Ugenya, MDG)Movement for Democracy and Growth

The same issues are even brought to the next Parliament, and again, we talk. This is because we have not given our Committees "teeth", or even if we have given them "teeth", they are not "biting" with the "teeth" that the Constitution has given them. Our Committees are not using their "teeth".

John Kiarie Waweru
Hon. John Kiarie (Dagoretti South, UDA)United Democratic Alliance

On a point of order, Hon. Temporary Speaker.

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The Temporary Speaker (Hon. Farah Maalim)

What is your point of order, Member for Dagoretti South?

John Kiarie Waweru
Hon. John Kiarie (Dagoretti South, UDA)United Democratic Alliance

Hon. Temporary Speaker, as you know, I would be hesitant to interrupt the Member for Ugenya when he is debating because of the quality of his debate. You can tell from his contribution and the points he is raising how important this Motion is to our Republic. We are in Order No.11, the Motion on the Public

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The Temporary Speaker (Hon. Farah Maalim)

Under the circumstances, it is crystal clear that we do not have a quorum. I direct that the Quorum Bell be rung for 10 minutes. I also direct the Whips to do their job of whipping Members of Parliament into the House. While the Quorum Bell is being rung, only the Whips are allowed to go out and whip Members of Parliament. Order, Hon. Members.

[(The Quorum Bell was rung)]

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Hon. Temporary Speaker (Hon. Farah Maalim)

Hon. Members, there being no requisite quorum and the time being 5.38 p.m., this House stands adjourned until Tuesday, 24th September 2024, at 2.30 p.m. The House rose at 5.38 p.m.

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Hon. Temporary Speaker (Hon. Farah Maalim)

Published by Clerk of the National Assembly Parliament Buildings Nairobi