Orengo’s brave submission that has caused panic in parliament during BBI debate
Siaya Senator James Orengo sent a strong worded statement to his colleagues during the Senate Special Sitting do discuss the proposed constitutional amendment bill, 2021.
While making his submission before the house on Thursday, May 6, Orengo encouraged his colleagues to stand firm by their principle acknowledging that MPs will always face intimidation from outside forces while executing their mandate.
"I think this is a very democratic process for us to make that decision. Finally, I want to say that in my many years in Parliament, I would encourage that each Senator has got their own self worth," the Senate Minority Leader stated.
"When we sit or camp before the Senate as a parliamentarian, you have your own self worth. And me, I can never be intimidated in my political life. Because I've seen many people come and go. I've seen many powerful people come and go," Orengo further stated.
Orengo's strong worded statement comes after the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) witnessed in house wrangles/misunderstanding over the proposed BBI bill leading to the removal of Rarieda MP from the prestigious Parliament Committee on Justice based on his views on the bill.
"I have seen presidents come here and go. I have seen people who on their word, you'd leave this house and be locked in the same day, they've come and gone," Orengo told the Senators.
During his submission Orengo acknowledged the role former Kisumu Town MP Grace Onyango played when she sat in the committee for the special investigations relating to the disappearance of JM Kariuki.
"I have a lot of respect for that Lady. She made me very proud and she stood firm," the Siaya Senator acknowledged.
Before concluding his submission Orengo plead with the legislators asking them to stand firm in their role as the people's watchdog.
"We've got a heavy task. And if people out there feel you can be intimidated and you've been brought to this House with all the powers that we have including the powers the trial of a governor."
"Imagine next time you may have a motion for the trial of a president, will you be intimidated? So I urge you, for the future of this country, in the performance of your constitutional duties, never be intimidated.
And if my day comes, I'll accept it. But my conscience, I will never sell it."
