𝐒𝐲𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐲, 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚

𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

National Assembly Speaker Dr. Moses Wetang’ula Wednesday welcomed the renewed vigour for change of the status of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) saying it is long overdue.

The association was established in 1911 and brings together over 180 Legislatures/Branches divided up between nine geographic regions of the Commonwealth. The association is registered as a charity organisation in UK.

Said Speaker Wetang'ula: “The legal status of CPA has since inception been run as a charity organisation registered in England. There has been a reform agenda that began over 20 years ago to change it from a charity to an international organisation comparable to UN agencies or the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) that enjoy diplomatic privileges and immunities under the Vienna Convention.”

The sentiments by Speaker Wetang'ula came at a time when the quest to change the status of the CPA is in top gear.

He was speaking in Sydney, Australia during the official opening of the 67th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC).

Most African nations attending the conference are pushing for recognition of the Association as an international inter-parliamentary organisation. Over the last ten years, the push had been concerted especially from branches in Africa who make up a considerable membership of the Association.

Speaker Wetang'ula is leading the Kenyan delegation comprising Members from both Houses of Parliament to the event.

“I am delighted that by the close of the year, the transformation will most likely be complete. This will actualise the recommendations that were made at the 66th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Accra Ghana in 2023,” said Speaker Wetang’ula.

As part of the actualisation of the change, the Annual General Meeting is expected to consider proposed amendments to the CPA Constitution on Thursday.

CPA Secretary General Mr. Stephen Twigg announced that the independence of the body is in the pipeline.

“This year, 2024, is a momentous year for the CPA. After decades of debate and discussion, we are finally on a firm path to achieving a new international legal status in the United Kingdom. Government legislation was announced in the King’s Speech in July,” stated Twigg.

He went on: “When we meet in Barbados next year, we will have a new international legal status. This will align us with our colleagues in the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie."

"I am indebted to those who have worked so hard over many years to make the case for this transformative change,” the Secretary General affirmed in his address during the official opening of the 67th CPC.

According to Mr. Twigg, significant steps had been made to facilitate a non-charitable CPA.

He said CPA and International Committee of the Red Cross (Status) Bill that is sponsored by Dame Maria Mille (Conservative) has already undergone review by the House of Lords and House Commons and was now at the Committee Stage.

Mr. Twiggs noted that once the Bill sails through, it will be a boost for democracy as member States will have a stronger voice.

“By ending the charitable status and gaining international status, the CPA membership will have more freedom and flexibility to decide (your) own priorities and to advocate for democracy, good governance and human rights,” he stressed

Kenya is represented in different capacities in the conference as follows;

The Speaker of the National Assembly, the Rt. Hon. Dr. Moses Wetang’ula is the Joint-President of CPA Kenya and Leader of Delegation, Hon. Beatrice Adagala is Convener CWP Kenya Branch and Alternate for Chairperson CWP Africa Region, Hon. John Paul Mwirigi is the CPA Kenya branch Representative and Hon. Tim Wanyonyi is CPwD Regional Champions – Africa. Senators Jackson Mandago and Beth Syengo are the Kenyan Delegates to the CPA Conference.

On the sidelines of the main conference, Speaker Wetang’ula joined a panel in a workshop that discussed violence and abuse of Parliamentarians and possible remedies.

The Speaker observed that being an MP is not for the weak and faint-hearted.

He noted that an MP must be ready to face the risks, speak out against them, face the bullies, face the State and make things better for the benefit of those they represent.

“ Since freedom without control is freedom without responsibility, it is not freedom, as the Commonwealth you can have shared conversation on how we can review legislation and deal with social media bullies,” he stated.

He was making reference to social media attacks levelled moreso against women leaders by individuals keen on subduing them.

Leaders on the Kenya delegation also held various sectoral meetings touching on retention of women in politics, inclusion of persons with disabilities, the issue of immigration and human trafficking among other topics.

The Kenyan delegation comprises Hon. Gonzi Rai (Kinango), Hon. Beatrice Adagala (Vihiga), Hon. Tim Wanyonyi (Westlands), Hon. Zaheer Jhanda (Nyaribari Chache), Hon. John Paul Mwirigi (Igembe South), Hon. Njoroge Kururia (Gatundu North), Senators Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu), Beth Syengo (Nominated), Mr. Samuel Njoroge (Clerk of the National Assembly), Mr. Njenga Ruge (Director Legislative and Procedural Services, Senate) and Mr. Steve Apopo (Director Speaker’s Office) among others.