Youth Alive
THE SENATE EXPERIENCE
By Joy Gwendo (Madam Senator)
W
e all have our moments of surprise, mine came the first time I was at the senate chambers. I had just had my lunch in the senate lounge in
of society and just government of the people, we beseech you to behold with your abundant favor, us your servants whom you have been pleased to call to the performance of important trusts in this republic. Let your blessings descend upon us here assembled, and grant that we treat and consider all matters that shall come under our deliberation in so just and faithful a manner as to promote your honor and glory, and to advance the peace, prosperity and welfare of our country and of those whose interests you have committed to our charge. AMEN This being the first sitting, the senators introduced themselves so as to get familiar with each other. The clerks of the senate, ladies and gentlemen dressed in long blue robes and white scarves were at hand to control the program. One of them stood up and read out the order paper, which is like the days agenda for the senate. I felt very lucky to be in this house as much as I was at the deep end of the pool; not knowing what to do. I told myself that God wouldn’t have thrown me into this pool without a helping hand. With that in mind I sat up to get the gist of the motions of the day. On this particular day, the senate was concerned about members of the County assemblies who had gone on strike demanding for better pay.
a hurry as the very first sitting was to begin in a short while. As I was walking to the chambers, I heard a noise and saw everybody freeze on spot, this was an announcement from the sergeant at arms for the arrival of speaker. You see as the senate speaker marches into the chambers, everyone within the vicinity has to stand at attention. I stood there helpless; my phone in my hands, wondering what to do next. The sergeant at arms noticing my dilemma came to my rescue. After the speaker had passed, he picked my folders and papers that had scattered on the floor in my moment of surprise, held my hand as he guided me into the chambers, told me to bow and to have a seat. My seat read SENATOR JOY GWENDO. I sat there slowly perusing the standing orders and trying to understand my new job. The speaker then read a prayer that was printed on the standing orders. I felt safe to realize that we would be starting every sitting with this prayer. Almighty God who in your wisdom and goodness have appointed the offices of leaders and parliaments ?? H ?[?\?B??????H?QQ H?? ?K??
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