National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has called for fairness and consistency in interactions between the Judiciary, civil society, and development partners with the legislative arm of government. His remarks came during the 2024 Annual High Court Human Rights Summit held at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi.
Addressing the summit, Wetangula emphasized the need for collaborative harmony among institutions to uphold the principles of justice, human rights, and constitutional governance. Drawing attention to the iconic symbols of justice, he underscored the Judiciary’s obligation to impartiality.
“The weighing scale and blindfold represent the Judiciary’s commitment to fairness and objective assessment of evidence, while the sword signifies enforcement and respect for judicial decisions,” he explained.
Wetang’ula reiterated Parliament’s adherence to constitutional principles, stressing that legislative processes are firmly anchored on the rule of law. He called on the Judiciary to maintain a balanced approach when reviewing Bills and other legal instruments, assuring attendees of Parliament’s commitment to judicial compliance.
“We are guided by and shall abide by court decisions,” he affirmed.
Legislative Initiatives on Human Rights
The Speaker highlighted Parliament’s active role in promoting human rights, referencing the Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2023, as a significant milestone in safeguarding the rights of vulnerable groups.
“This Bill aims to protect the rights of persons with disabilities as outlined in Article 54 of the Constitution,” Wetang’ula noted.
Beyond legislative drafting, Parliamentary Committees are delving into critical human rights issues, including historical grievances. Notable among these are investigations into allegations of toxic waste dumping in northern Kenya and misconduct involving the British Army Training Unit in Nanyuki.
“Parliamentary Committees conduct inquiries and recommend appropriate actions to address grievances,” he stated, reaffirming Parliament’s commitment to addressing human rights concerns through legislative oversight.
Collaboration for Justice
In his address, Speaker Wetang’ula commended the Judiciary for its steadfast dedication to upholding the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Reflecting on the Judiciary’s 14-year journey since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, he noted its critical role in guiding the country through constitutional transitions.
“Over the past fourteen years, the Judiciary has consistently risen to the occasion, guiding the nation along the constitutional path envisioned by the framers of our Constitution,” Wetang’ula said.
He further appreciated the Summit’s role as a platform for fostering dialogue among stakeholders, including legal professionals, civil society representatives, and development partners.
The summit’s 2024 theme focused on fostering institutional collaboration to enhance human rights enforcement and constitutional principles. Wetang’ula urged stakeholders to continue engaging constructively to bolster governance frameworks and promote justice for all citizens.
Addressing Historical Wrongs
Highlighting the importance of justice in resolving historical grievances, Wetang’ula acknowledged Parliament’s role in investigating systemic human rights violations. Parliamentary Committees, he said, serve as critical instruments for conducting in-depth inquiries and recommending corrective measures to redress injustices.
The Speaker cited ongoing efforts to address allegations of toxic waste dumping and environmental degradation in northern Kenya, as well as the misconduct of foreign military personnel stationed in the country.
“These inquiries are part of Parliament’s broader mandate to ensure accountability and protect the fundamental rights of all Kenyans,” Wetang’ula added.
Call to Action
In closing, Wetang’ula expressed gratitude to the organizers of the High Court Human Rights Summit, applauding their efforts to bring together diverse stakeholders for constructive dialogue. He underscored the importance of institutional collaboration in strengthening the rule of law and fostering accountability across governance structures.
As Kenya continues its journey of constitutional consolidation, the Speaker’s remarks spotlight the pivotal role of Parliament in safeguarding human rights and ensuring that legislative processes align with the nation’s democratic aspirations. The summit served as a reminder of the importance of collaboration among institutions to uphold the principles of justice, human rights, and good governance.
By championing fairness, impartiality, and institutional synergy, Wetangula reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly to advancing a more equitable and just society.
