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Explainer: What happens when the mace is stolen from parliament

kiss100.co.ke 5 days ago

What happens next after the mace is stolen from parliament?

In the context of Kenya's parliamentary proceedings, the mace is a crucial symbol of the authority of the Speaker and the legislative assembly.

It must be present for parliamentary business to be conducted validly. Here's what happens if the mace is stolen or removed:

1.Immediate Suspension of Proceedings:

If the mace is stolen or removed, the Speaker of the National Assembly or Senate will immediately suspend the parliamentary proceedings. This is because, without the mace, the assembly lacks the authority to conduct its business.

2. Restoration of Order:

Efforts are made to restore order and retrieve the mace. This may involve security personnel and parliamentary officials taking action to recover the mace. 

3. Recommencement of Proceedings:

Once the mace is retrieved and order is restored, the Speaker can resume the parliamentary proceedings. Until then, no official business can be transacted.

4. Disciplinary Action:

The individuals responsible for the theft or removal of the mace are subject to disciplinary action. This can include censure, suspension, or other penalties as outlined in the parliamentary rules and procedures.

5. Legal consequences:

In addition to parliamentary discipline, legal proceedings may be initiated against the perpetrators. This can include charges of theft, disruption of parliamentary proceedings, and other related offenses.

 6. A formal investigation is launched to determine how the theft occurred, identify the culprits, and prevent future incidents.

This investigation may involve reviewing security footage and examining security protocols

.7. Official statements

The speaker or other parliamentary officials may issue statements to inform the public and other members of parliament about the incident, the steps being taken to address it, and any changes to security or procedures that will be implemented.

8. Security review

In the aftermath, there is often a thorough review of security measures to prevent a recurrence.

The constitution and parliamentary standing orders emphasize the importance of the mace in maintaining the authority and order of the legislative process.

The disruption caused by its removal underscores its symbolic and functional significance in Kenya's parliamentary system.

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