Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang'ula with a section of MPs at the 68th 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association meeting in Bridgetown, Barbados
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called for renewed unity and commitment to democracy within the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
Wetang’ula urged member states to build stronger, more inclusive institutions.
While leading the Kenyan delegation to the ongoing 68th CPA Conference in Barbados, Wetang’ula emphasised the need for solidarity and shared purpose among Commonwealth nations.
The conference is hosted by the Parliament of Barbados and the CPA Barbados Branch.
“Solidarity must be our guiding principle. We must not drop the ball not just as leaders, but as a people. Integrity is discipline. We must be honest with our citizens, listen to them and truly feel their concerns, for only those who feel the people can know them,” Wetang’ula said.
The Speaker noted that leadership requires humility and inclusivity.
“Sometimes, when you hold power, you must take a step back to bring others on board.”
Wetang’ula said the association has a responsibility to build capacity, share best practices, empower women and young parliamentarians and defend the integrity of democratic institutions.
He explained that AI is reshaping industries, governance and daily life, bringing different opportunities.
"We now have improved decision making, efficiency and new avenues for inclusive participation. There is a need to ensure AI is used with vigilance and that fact-checking online is a collective obligation,” Wetang’ula noted.
He stressed the importance of vigorous verification, credible sourcing and media literacy to enable citizens separate truth from misinformation.
In his address, Wetang’ula noted the importance of building stronger networks that promote inclusion, integrity and accountability.
"By promoting cross-sector collaboration, we can amplify diverse voices, safeguard democratic processes and advance policies that reflect our shared values.”
He highlighted the cardinal roles of legislative, oversight and representation, saying governments propose, but it is parliaments that debate, amend and decide.
“You scrutinise budgets, ratify treaties, pass laws that give life to our commitments and hold the executive to account.”
He also called for locally tailored solutions that empower both citizens and institutions to conserve the environment.
According to Wetang’ula, there is a need for concrete action from robust environmental safeguards to innovative, locally tailored solutions amidst global climate change.
"We need programmes that empower both citizens and institutions to conserve the environment for years to come like the Kenya initiative to plant 15 billion trees in 10 years,” Wetang’ula said.
He expressed the desire for a shared responsibility to safeguard the planet for future generations.
On the sidelines of the conference, Wetang’ula held talks with Stephen Twigg, secretary general of the CPA, where he reaffirmed Kenya’s unwavering commitment to the association’s values and applauded the secretariat for organising a successful conference.
“Our discussions focused on strengthening Kenya’s participation in CPA programmes and deepening cooperation in areas such as good governance, gender equality, youth engagement, climate action and inclusion of persons with disabilities,” he said.
Twigg praised Kenya for its active role in advancing parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth, noting its leadership within the CPA Africa Region.
Wetang’ula was accompanied by MPs Beatrice Adagala (vice chairperson of the CPA Africa Region Executive Committee), Zaheer Jhanda, Naisula Lesuuda and Tim Wanyonyi.
