Senate · Afternoon Sitting

Clerk, do we have quorum? Serjeant-at-Arms, kindly ring the quorum bell for 10 minutes.

[(The Clerk-at-the-Table consulted with the Speaker)]

[(The Quorum Bell was rung)]

Order, hon. Senators. Kindly proceed to take your seats. We have a quorum now. We proceed with today’s business. Clerk, you may now call the first Order. Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Madzayo, kindly take your seat.

Hon. Senators, I wish to report to the Senate that I have, pursuant to Standing Order 48 No.(3), received a Message from the Speaker of the County Assembly of Kericho regarding a resolution of the County Assembly of Kericho for the proposed removal from office, by impeachment, of Hon. (Dr.) Erick Kipkoech Mutai, the Governor of Kericho County, pursuant to Article 181(1)(a), (b) and (c) of the Cons…

[(Applause)]

Constitution and Sections 29 and 34 of the Leadership and Integrity Act, by doing the following-

Hon. Senators, I hereby report to the Senate that a Petition has been submitted, through the Clerk by Mr. Laban Omusundi, regarding the matter of recalling nominated MCAs of county assemblies. As you are aware, under Article 119 (1) of the Constitution, and I quote- “Every person has the right to petition Parliament to consider any matter within its authority, including to enact, amend or repeal …

[(The Petition was committed to the Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights)]

Chairperson, Standing Committee on Finance and Budget.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I beg to lay the following Paper on the table of the Senate today, 8th October, 2024-

The Chairperson Standing Committee on Education. Sen. Joe Nyutu, proceed.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to lay the following Petitions’ report on the Table of the Senate, today, 8th October, 2024-

Order, hon. Senators. Sen. Eddy, you are seated next to a senior. Certainly, you ought to draw good manners.

Before I allow the Clerk to call the next Order, I will call Sen. Mohamed Chute to proceed to substantiate the allegation he made on Tuesday, 1st October, 2024, by claiming that Mr. David Kibet Kimei, a nominee for appointment to the position of the Director General of the Competition Authority of Kenya had not been cleared by the Ethics and the Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) . You may proceed…

Mr. Speaker, Sir, what was the issue because I was not asked to substantiate anything. I am not aware of that.

[(Laughter)]

Sen. Chute, let me refresh your memory by reading the HANSARD. On that particular day, when you rose to speak, you said: “Thank you, very much, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. Let me take this opportunity to oppose this Motion completely. There is a problem in this country. I do not know what name I should give this country. This country is very tribalistic. I will tell you why this man, Mr. David Ki…

[(Several Senators spoke loudly)]

Sen. Chute can hear me. Then the Temporary Speaker, Sen. Abdul Haji, said - this because at that point, the Senator for Nandi rose on a point of order -

“Sen. Chute, please, resume your seat and mute your microphone.”

“Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.105 on the responsibility of the statement of facts. Is it in order for Sen. Chute to allege tribalism and the issues that are within the EACC? Can he substantiate by tabling that evidence so that we can be satisfied?”

“Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, in my Committee, we already have a report that shows that this country is very tribal. I will table that report next week. This is what is happening in this country. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, let me give you a scenario. First of all, I am ready to substantiate because it is in my report. As I said, I will table it next week.”

[(Loud consultations)]

Mr. Speaker, Sir, first of all, I would want to make something very clear. The Senator for Embu pronounced my name as Shute.

[(Laughter)]

Sen. Chute, I will read Standing Order No.105 (2) before I proceed to make my ruling: “If a Senator has sufficient reason to convince the Speaker that the Senator is unable to substantiate the allegations instantly, the Speaker shall require that such Senator substantiates the allegations not later than the next sitting day, failure to which the Senator shall be deemed to be disorderly within the…

Having failed to substantiate on the date that was indicated by the Temporary Speaker then, which is today, under Standing Order No.105, it therefore follows that you have two options: Either, withdraw, apologise or I will deem you out of order, pursuant to Standing Order No.121 and proceed to ask you to leave the Chamber. Which of those two are you going for?

Mr. Speaker, Sir, these are facts which are in this country and everybody knows. Even a young 10-year-old boy knows this. I am not going to apologise for what I have in my Committee. I would rather leave this House.

Hon. Chute, kindly withdraw from the precincts of Parliament for the reminder of today’s Sitting.

[(Sen. Chute withdrew from the Chamber)]

[(Applause)]

[(Loud consultations)]

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I wish to give notice of the following Motion- THAT, WHEREAS, pursuant to Article 181 of the Constitution and Section 33 of the County Governments Act, on Wednesday, 2nd October, 2024, the County Assembly of Kericho approved a Motion for the removal from office, by impeachment, of the Honourable (Dr.) Erick Kipkoech Mutai, Governor of Kericho County; FURTHER WHEREAS, by letter Re…

Very well, the Chairperson Committee on Education, proceed.

Next Order, Clerk. Now allow me to rearrange today's Order Paper pursuant to Standing Order No. 45 (2) and prosecute Order No.9. Then we will come back to Questions and Statements. Senator for Nairobi City County, you may proceed to move your Motion. Clerk, call the order first.

[(The Senate Majority Leader consulted with the Speaker)]

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. I beg to move- THAT, WHEREAS, pursuant to Article 181 of the Constitution and Section 33 of the County Governments Act, on Wednesday, 2nd October, 2024, the County Assembly of Kericho approved a Motion for

the removal from office, by impeachment, of the Hon. (Dr.) Erick Kipkoech Mutai, Governor of Kericho County. FURTHER WHEREAS, by letter Ref. No. KCA/SP/3 Vol. I/4/

Senator for Nandi, let the Nairobi City County Senator move his Motion. Take your seat.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, I was saying that I can hear murmurings, but this is something that we have done multiple times in this House. As far as I know, the Standing Orders do not allow us, as a leadership, or indeed as Senate Business Committee, to make that decision for Members of this House. In the absence of a Motion for that decision to be taken, it is impossible for us to move the House for us to…

[(Loud consultations)]

Mr. Speaker, Sir, therefore, to keep the matter brief. We propose a Motion for you to make the decision, out of respect for our own Standing Orders and respect for the Members of this House. All of us will abide by that decision. With those many remarks, I can see my seconder has come into the House. I request Sen. Veronica Maina to second the Motion. Thank you.

Order, hon. Senators. Order, Senator for Nandi. If you have an issue with this Motion, once it is moved, you will have an opportunity. In fact, can I confirm to you that once it is seconded and I propose the question, you will be the first Senator to speak to this? Sen. Oketch Gicheru, you do not debate my ruling. Proceed Sen. Veronica Maina.

Thank you, Sen. Sifuna for giving me this opportunity to second this Motion. I have thought through this Motion, and it is my considered opinion that I would not wish to continue with seconding this Motion. I, therefore, decline to second this Motion. I request the Senator for Nairobi City to give me the opportunity to second one of his substantive, well-thought-out Motions.

[(Loud consultations)]

Order, Hon. Senators. Hon. Senators, be orderly. Sen. Gataya Mo Fire. The Motion, having lacked a seconder, dies naturally. I will proceed, therefore, to make the following communication.

Hon. Senators, you will note that Sen. Sifuna MP has moved a Motion for the establishment of a Special Committee to investigate the proposed removal from office by impeachment of Hon. Dr. Eric Kipkoech Mutai, the Governor of Kericho County. The Motion has, however, failed to get a seconder. Standing Order No.70 (1) states as follows- “The question on any Motion shall not be proposed unless it sha…

and shall not be moved again in the same Session, unless with the permission of the Speaker.” In this case, nobody has sought to reintroduce that Motion. As I communicated earlier today during the sitting, by way of a Message, on the resolution of the County Assembly of Kericho, Section 33(3)(a) of the County Governments Act and Standing Order No.80(1)(b) of the Senate, provide that the Senate ma…

Yes, Sen. Boni.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, for indulging me. It has become a tradition of hearings of impeachment to be done in the period that you have guided the House. However, we have also learned that we normally create too much pressure on the witnesses, the parties and Members of this House in those two days. I would like to appeal to you purely on matters of natural justice. The tension and pressure th…

inform the House what they have heard and what they believe should be the preferred verdict. I plead that we prolong this period of consideration

Sen. Wambua, you had something to say?

I do not know where Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale has disappeared to. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I have listened to what Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale said. This is a House of records. Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale has, for all intents and purposes, failed us on that matter of impeachment. If I can remember, Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale undertook to bring to this House an Impeachment Bill, so that we are no longer at the mercy of the Speaker i…

Sen. Wambua, certainly you are not under the mercy of the Speaker on this particular matter. This is a substantive business of the House. Before the Speaker pronounces or communicates to the House, it is normally a substantive agenda before the SBC. At its sitting, the SBC resolved that this particular impeachment hearing be done on 14th October, 2024 and 15th October, 2024 As the Speaker, what I…

Yes, Sen. Mungatana.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, in terms of thinking ahead, reading the charges that you have shared with us, some of the evidence that we anticipate will be a bit sensitive and maybe personal. I am wondering how we shall protect the identity of the witnesses. Perhaps you should give a way forward, so that while we balance the issues where the public should know what we are doing, we also need to protect some o…

Hon. Senators, let us cross the bridge when we get there. This hearing has not started. Therefore, let it run. We may or may not get there. If we get there, certainly, we will make the proper guidance on this particular matter. Next Order. Just call Order No.8. After that, we move back to Order No.10. Proceed.

[(The Clerk-at-the-Table approached the Chair)]

Call Order No.10.

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move- THAT Clause 3 of the Bill be amended—

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I will stand in for him. The Temporary Chairperson : Sen. Ogola will stand in for Sen. Okiya Omtatah. Can you go on record as representing Sen. Okiya Omtatah?

[(Sen. Veronica Maina)]

Thank you, Madam Temporary Chairperson. I am representing Sen. Okiya Omtatah.

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move- THAT the Bill be amended by deleting clause 7 and substituting therefor the following new clause—

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move- THAT Clause 10 of the Bill be amended-

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move- THAT clause 11 of the Bill be amended

you get at what intervals, but you make it broader by giving family health education, which is far much bigger than limiting the number of children. I thank you. (Question of the further amendment proposed) The Temporary Chairperson (Sen. Veronica Maina): Thank you, Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale. There is a further amendment by Sen. Okiya Omtatah. Sen. Ogola, do you have instructions to represent him?

Thank you, Madam Temporary Chairperson. I confirm that I have instructions to represent Sen. Okiya Omtatah. Madam Temporary Chairperson, on behalf of Sen. Okiya Omtatah,I beg to move – Clause 6 THAT Clause 6 of the Bill be amended in subclause (1) by— (c) inserting the words “including hormonal profiling and the provision of prenatal vitamins” immediately after the words “preconception care …

[(Question of the further amendment proposed)]

[(Sen. Veronica Maina)]

[(Sen. Veronica Maina)]

Thank you, Madam Temporary Chairperson. I beg to move- THAT, Clause 7 of the Bill be amended in subclause (2) by—

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I confirm that I am representing Sen. Okiya Omtatah. I beg to move- THAT, Clause 7 of the Bill be amended in subclause (2) (b) by inserting the words “as may be prescribed by the Cabinet Secretary” immediately after the words “free prenatal care”. The Temporary Chairperson : Division will be at the end. Once again, the two amendments can coexist because they are …

[(Question of the amendment proposed)]

[(Sen. Veronica Maina)]

[(Sen. Veronica Maina)]

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move- THAT section 5 of the principal of the Act be amended in paragraph (e) by deleting the words “commercial green leaf transporters,” appearing immediately after the words “commercial tea nurseries”. Question, that New Clause 2A be read a Second Time proposed)

[(Question, that New Clause 2A be now read the First Time, proposed)]

[(New Clause 2A read the First Time)]

[(Question, that New Clause 2A be part of the Bill, proposed)]

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I confirm that I am representing Sen. Okiya Omtatah. I beg to move: - THAT, Clause 8 of the Bill be amended by inserting the following new subclause immediately after subclause (3) — (3A) The consent under subsection (3) shall not be required where—

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I agree to drop my amendment. The Temporary Chairperson : Thank you, Sen. Mariam Omar.

[(Proposed amendment to Clause 8 by Sen. Mariam Omar dropped)]

[(Sen. Veronica Maina)]

[(Question of the amendment proposed)]

The Temporary Chairperson (Sen. Veronica Maina): Division will be at the end. Clause 9

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I confirm that I am representing Sen. Okiya Omtatah. I beg to move- THAT, Clause 9 of the Bill be amended—

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move- THAT Clause 2 of the Bill be amended —

(Question, that New Clause 26 and New Clause 27 be now read a second Time, put and the Senate proceeded to vote by County Delegations) AYES: Sen. Abass, Wajir County; Sen. Boy, Kwale County; Sen. Cheptumo, Baringo County; Sen. Cherarkey, Nandi County; Sen. Cheruiyot, Kericho County; Sen. Chesang, Trans Nzoia County; Sen. Dullo, Isiolo County; Sen. Faki, Mombasa County; Sen. Kavindu Muthama, Macha…

Chesang, Trans Nzoia County; Sen. Dullo, Isiolo County; Sen. Faki, Mombasa County; Sen. Kavindu Muthama, Machakos County; Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale, Kakamega County; Sen. Kinyua, Laikipia County; Sen. (Dr.) Lelegwe Ltumbesi, Samburu County; Sen. Lomenen, Turkana County; Sen. Madzayo, Kilifi County; Sen. Mariam Omar, Mandera County; Sen. Methu, Nyandarua County; Sen. Mungatana, MGH, Tana River County; Se…

Kisii County; Sen. Osotsi, Vihiga County; Sen. Seki, Kajiado County; Sen. Sifuna, Nairobi City County; Sen. Tabitha Keroche, Nakuru County; Sen. Thang’wa, Kiambu County; Sen. Wafula, Bungoma County; Sen. Wakili Sigei, Bomet County; Sen. Wamatinga, Nyeri County and Sen. Wambua, Kitui County.

Hon. Members, these are the results for the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Bill (Senate Bills No. 17 of 2023) are as follows:

Hon. Senators, the results of the Division are as follows:

Sen. Mwaruma, Taita-Taveta County; Sen. Ogola, Homa Bay County; Sen. Oketch Gicheru, Migori County; Sen. Okiya Omtatah, Busia County; Sen. Omogeni, Nyamira County; Sen. Onyonka, Kisii County; Sen. Osotsi, Vihiga County; Sen. Seki, Kajiado County; Sen. Sifuna, Nairobi City County; Sen. Tabitha Keroche, Nakuru County; Sen. Thang’wa, Kiambu County; Sen. Wafula, Bungoma County; Sen. Wakili Sigei, Bome…

Hon. Senators, the results of the Division are as follows:

County; Sen. Onyonka, Kisii County; Sen. Osotsi, Vihiga County; Sen. Seki, Kajiado County; Sen. Sifuna, Nairobi City County; Sen. Tabitha Keroche, Nakuru County; Sen. Thang’wa, Kiambu County; Sen. Wafula, Bungoma County; Sen. Wakili Sigei, Bomet County; Sen. Wamatinga, Nyeri County; and, Sen. Wambua, Kitui County. NOES: Sen. Mariam Omar, Mandera County; ABSTENTION: Sen. Boy, Kwale County; Sen. Du…

Hon. Senators, the results of the Division are as follows-

Sen. Chesang’, your county produces tea. Proceed and vote for the Bill. (Voting in progress) The Temporary Chairperson (

Thank you, Sen. Osotsi. Since there is no other Member, I will call upon the Senate Majority Leader to reply. Before you take the microphone, pursuant to Standing Order No. (34) (2) (a) , I will extend the sitting beyond 6.30 p.m. for not more than five minutes to allow you to conclude your reply.

Bungoma County; Sen. Wakili Sigei, Bomet County; Sen. Wamatinga, Nyeri County; and, Sen. Wambua, Kitui County.

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move that the Committee do report to the Senate its consideration of the

Gambling Control Bill (National Assembly Bills No.70 of 2023) and its approval thereof with amendments.

Madam Temporary Chairperson, I beg to move that the Committee do report to the Senate its consideration of the Tea (Amendment) Bill (Senate Bills No.1 of 2023) and its approval thereof with amendments. (Question proposed) (Question put and agreed to) The Temporary Chairperson (

We are proceeding to the third Bill, the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, Bill (Senate Bills No.17 of 2023) . I now invite the Mover to report.

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Chairperson. I beg to Move that the Committee do report to the Senate its consideration of the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Bill (Senate Bills No.17 of 2023) and its approval thereof with amendments.

[(Question proposed)]

[(Question put and agreed to)]

[(The House resumed)]

Order, hon. Members. Let us resume our seats. Hon. Members, we are now going to report progress on the Bills considered in the Committee of the Whole. We shall start with the Gambling Control Bill (National Assembly Bills No.70 of 2023) . I call upon the Chairperson to proceed.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to report that the Committee of the Whole has considered the Gambling Control Bill (National Assembly Bills No.70 of 2023) and its approval thereof with amendments.

Mover?

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee on the said report. I request Sen. Oketch Gicheru to second.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I second.

[(Question proposed)]

[(Question put and agreed to)]

I call upon the Mover to proceed.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to move that the Gambling Control Bill (National Assembly Bills No.70 of 2023) be now read a Third Time. I request Sen. Sifuna to second.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I second.

[(Question proposed)]

Hon. Members, Division will be at the end. We will move to the second one, The Tea (Amendment) Bill (Senate Bills No.1 of 2023) .

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to report that the Committee of the Whole has considered The Tea (Amendment) Bill, (Senate Bills No.1 of 2023) and its approval thereof with amendments.

I will call upon the Senate Majority Leader, who will move on behalf of the mover.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee on the said Report. I request Senator Eddie Oketch to second.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I second.

I call upon again the mover to proceed.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to move that The Tea (Amendment) Bill, (Senate Bill No.1 of 2023) , be now read a Third Time. I request Senator Osotsi Godfrey, to second.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I second.

[(Question proposed)]

Division will be at the end. We now move to the third reporting on the Bill considered in the Committee of the Whole; The Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Bill (Senate Bill No.17 of 2023) . I call upon the Chairperson to report.

I beg to report that the Committee of the Whole has considered The Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Bill, (Senate Bills No.17 of 2023) and its approval thereof with amendments.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Committee on the said report.

[(Question proposed)]

[(Question put and agreed to)]

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to move that The Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Bill, (Senate Bill No.17 of 2023) , be now read a Third Time. I request Senator Boni Khalwale to second.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, with great appreciation of our industry, I second the Nominated Senator from Homa Bay, Beatrice Ogola Oyoma.

[(Question proposed)]

Division at the end. Hon. Senators, we are proceeding to do electronic voting one after the other. We will start with The Gambling Control Bill (National Assembly Bills No.70 of 2023) ; followed by the Tea (Amendment) Bill (Senate Bills No.1 of 2023) ; and lastly, the

Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Bill (Senate Bills No.17 of 2023). We will thereafter announce the results of the same. Members, you may now log out as we prepare for electronic voting. Please log out and log in. Serjeant-at-Arms, you may pick the unattended cards from the delegates unit.

Sen. Tabitha Keroche! Sen. Tabitha Keroche! Sen. Seki, please, alert Sen. Tabitha Keroche to approach the Clerks’ Table to vote.

[(Sen. Tabitha Keroche approached the Clerks’ Table)]

Hon. Members, we are now going to the second vote on the Tea (Amendment) Bill (Senate Bills No.1 of 2023) . Hon. Members, you can now start to vote. Hon. Senators, we can now proceed to the third and last vote on the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Bill (Senate Bills No.17 of 2023) .

[(Hon. Senators proceeded to vote)]

[(Hon. Senators proceeded to vote)]

Sen. Wambua, kindly be assisted to vote. Hon. Senators, we now have the results of the vote of the three Bills. We will start with the Gambling Control Bill (National Assembly Bills No.70 of 2023) .

[(Sen. Wambua approached the Dispatch Box and voted)]

(Question, that the Gambling Control Bill (National Assembly Bills No.70 of 2023) be now read a Third Time put, and the Senate proceeded to vote by County Delegation) AYES: Sen. Abas, Wajir County; Sen. Boy, Kwale County; Sen. Cheptumo, Baringo County; Sen. Cherarkey, Nandi County; Sen. Cheruiyot, Kericho County; Sen. Chesang, Trans Nzoia County; Sen. Faki, Mombasa County; Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale, Ka…

Hon. Senators, the results are as follows: -

Chesang, Trans Nzoia County; Sen. Dullo, Isiolo County; Sen. Faki, Mombasa County; Sen. Kavindu Muthama, Machakos County; Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale, Kakamega County; Sen. Kinyua, Laikipia County; Sen. (Dr.) Lelegwe Ltumbesi, Samburu County; Sen. Lomenen, Turkana County; Sen. Madzayo, Kilifi County; Sen. Mariam Omar, Mandera County; Sen. Methu, Nyandarua County; Sen. Mungatana, MGH, Tana River County; Se…

Hon. Senators, the results are as follows: -

AYES: Sen. Abass, Wajir County; Sen. Boy, Kwale County; Sen. Cheptumo, Baringo County; Sen. Cherarkey, Nandi County; Sen. Cheruiyot, Kericho County; Sen. Chesang, Trans Nzoia County; Sen. Dullo, Isiolo County; Sen. Faki, Mombasa County; Sen. (Dr.) Lelegwe Ltumbesi, Samburu County; Sen. Lomenen, Turkana County; Sen. Kavindu Muthama, Machakos County; Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale, Kakamega County; Sen. Kinyua…

Hon. Members, these are the results for the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Bill (Senate Bills No. 17 of 2023) are as follows:

Serjeant-at-Arms, you may now open the doors and withdraw the Bars. Order, Hon. Members, as you walk out, do so in silence. For the convenience of the House, Orders No.13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 were called out earlier on and are now going to be deferred to the next sitting.

[(The Bars were undrawn and doors opened)]

We will now call out Order No.19.

Hon. Members, at the adjournment of the House in our last Sitting, Sen. Godffrey Osotsi, MP, had a balance of 10 minutes to conclude on his contribution on the Bill. You may proceed.

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I am not sure where I stopped, but I was making a comment on the functions of the Independent Political Parties Regulatory Commission on the issue of funding of political parties. I said that funding of political parties must be re-looked at, in the sense that only parties which comply to the Political Parties Act should be funded. The current arrangement is …

This is an important proposal because we do not want people to lose their jobs because the organisation is turning into another entity. This is progressive, but overall, this idea of having an Independent Political Parties Regulatory Commission is long overdue because now the regulation of political parties is not going to be in the hands of one individual like it is now, but in the hands of a com…

Thank you, Sen. Osotsi. Since there is no other Member, I will call upon the Senate Majority Leader to reply. Before you take the microphone, pursuant to Standing Order No. (34) (2) (a) , I will extend the sitting beyond 6.30 p.m. for not more than five minutes to allow you to conclude your reply.

Thank you. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. I will not even do the entire five minutes. I will be brief. First, I want to thank all the colleagues who have spoken to this Bill; Sen. Cherarkey, Sen. Osotsi, Sen. (Prof.) Tom Ojienda and quite a number of Senators have spoken about this extremely important Bill. I do not see how, as a politician and more so a Member of Parliament, you can fail to have a…

On the rest, I hope that the Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights, considering this Bill, will listen and consider the memorandum sent, which I pointed out in my moving notes, by the current Office of the Registrar of Political Parties. She shared with me, and that I must declare this: comparable jurisdictions that have moved from having a registrar as set up in Kenya to being an …

Thank you, Majority Leader. Putting of the question as regards this Bill, is deferred to the next sitting of the House. Let us rise.

[(Putting of the question on the Bill deferred)]