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{
    "id": 1237561,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1237561/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 324,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Kipipiri, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Wanjiku Muhia",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "recommendation that in future, representation should be termed as inclusive so that it involves all groups, including persons living with disabilities. Standing Order 212 was drafted to have such reports sent to the Committee on Regional Integration for examination because the Committee deals with regional integration matters extending to the whole of the African region. As such, the Committee can observe existing gaps and the bilateral talks that could be ongoing at the African continent level, which are fundamental to the East African Community (EAC) or other regional blocs. During our deliberations in the Committee, we observed some gaps. For instance, we found in the Report of the Kenya Delegation that, the PAP had a Motion calling upon the AU to fast-track the peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The gap is that despite PAP’s mandate being to make recommendations to the AU, its recommendations are not binding. As a Committee, that beats the logic. Why would PAP recommend that peace and stability be fast-tracked in DRC yet with its over 200 members representing five regional blocs, it cannot have a binding agreement on the Floor of its House? That is why it is important for such reports to be referred to us. That was one observation that we made. The Pan-African Parliament did well on that and it was timely. If the PAP was to sit today, I am sure it would have pointed out that the AU and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) should fast-track the peace and stability in the Republic of Sudan. The Committee welcomed the idea that – and this comes from our experience of the PAP in 2021 – the leadership of AU recommended that the leadership of PAP be on rotational basis. I still remember the stalemate that was there. I mentioned that it is common for a stalemate to happen in any Parliament. For example, during the inception of this House, we struggled even when we could all count that the Kenya Kwanza Members were more than the other team and they were the majority. That was a stalemate. The 4th EALA was not able to elect a Speaker until a mediation happened in Arusha. So, it is normal for any Parliament to be in a stalemate. We should find a better way of handling the matter. The wisdom of the AU of rotational basis is welcome. As a Committee, we urge the team that represents us in PAP to be clear on the terms of reference of the rotational leadership. Currently, we have 55-member States in the AU. If we go rotational without expunging the countries that have already had the leadership, it will take hundreds of years for other countries to have that leadership. Kenya may never lead in the next 200 years. So, the team that represents us must be clear on the terms of reference. They must see how they can deal with countries that have had the leadership. They must have a time frame. They can consider going alphabetically. Finally, we also noted from the Report that the membership of PAP is to be elected on universal suffrage. The leadership is aiming to do away with getting PAP’s membership from Parliaments. We feel as a Committee that, in future, the delegation that represents the PAP should emanate from the Committee on Regional Integration. Why do I say so? We are given a Report to interact with. However, if you interact with a paper, you cannot get a clarification. For instance, on the universal suffrage for the membership of PAP, the Committee had hundreds of questions seeking clarification. When we intended to call the Kenya Delegation to PAP to our Committee, we were limited by the Standing Orders. You cannot summon fellow Members to a committee unless you invite them as friends of the committee. If you invite them as friends of a committee, that will not be formal. Therefore, as a Committee, we find ourselves in difficulties when we are examining such reports. We urge the leadership of the House to reconsider in future… We know those nominations are political and politically …"
}