Consolata Nabwire Wakwabubi has officially taken her oath of office as a nominated senator, replacing Gloria Orwoba who was expelled from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The swearing-in ceremony, presided over by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi on Wednesday, followed her gazettement by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) as the party’s new nominee for the women’s special seat.
In her oath, Wakwabubi pledged allegiance to the Republic of Kenya, vowing to uphold the Constitution and serve diligently as a Member of Parliament. “I, Consolata Nabwire Wakwabubi, having been elected a member of the Senate, do swear in the name of the Almighty God… that I will faithfully and conscientiously discharge the duties of a Member of Parliament. So help me, God,” she declared.
Wakwabubi, a UDA nominee from Bungoma County, steps into the position after the controversial exit of Gloria Orwoba. Orwoba’s expulsion from the ruling party was formally announced on May 19 by UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar. The party’s Disciplinary Committee found her guilty of disloyalty, citing her participation in the homecoming events of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i, an opposition figure and declared 2027 presidential hopeful.
The party also accused her of publicly criticizing government policies, actions that were deemed a breach of UDA’s principles. According to Omar, the decision to remove Orwoba was reached after “exhaustive deliberations” by the committee and was ratified by the National Executive Committee (NEC).
“Senator Gloria Orwoba ceases to be a member of the UDA Party. Consequently, she no longer enjoys any privileges accorded to party members, nor is she authorized to represent or act on behalf of the party in any capacity,” Omar stated.
Following the announcement, Speaker Kingi declared Orwoba’s Senate seat vacant through a public notice dated May 21, 2025, in accordance with Article 101(2) of the Constitution.
Wakwabubi’s entry marks a fresh chapter for UDA’s representation in the Senate, reinforcing the party’s grip while underscoring its hard stance against members seen to be undermining its unity and ideology.
