Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba has suffered a significant political blow after Senate Speaker Amason Kingi officially announced a vacancy in her seat. The declaration, made through a gazette notice dated Wednesday, confirms that the vacancy took effect on May 21, following her expulsion from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
Orwoba’s expulsion was ratified by the UDA National Executive Committee (NEC) after a recommendation by the party’s Disciplinary Committee. According to UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar, the committee found the senator guilty of gross misconduct and violating the party’s constitution and code of conduct.
Among the accusations leveled against Orwoba were repeated instances of making public statements that tarnished the party’s image and her failure to respond to disciplinary summons. The party subsequently withdrew its sponsorship of her to the Senate and nominated Consolata Wabwire Wakwabubi from Kimilili, Bungoma County, as her replacement.
Orwoba attempted to challenge the party’s decision in court, but her efforts were thwarted. The High Court in Nairobi, presided over by Justice Lawrence Mugambi, dismissed her petition citing procedural irregularities. The judge ruled that her application was incompetent and failed to meet the threshold required for judicial review.
Orwoba, known for her outspoken nature and advocacy on menstrual health and gender equity, has had a tumultuous relationship with her party in recent months. Her expulsion marks a dramatic turn in her political career, which began with promise when she was nominated to represent women and youth interests in the Senate.
The nomination of Wabwire signals UDA’s move to restore internal discipline and assert control over its nominated representatives. If cleared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Wabwire is expected to take up her role in the Senate soon.
Political analysts suggest that the move sends a clear message to other party members that indiscipline and defiance will not be tolerated, especially as the ruling party gears up for the 2027 General Election. Meanwhile, it remains to be seen what political path Orwoba will pursue following her ejection from the Senate.
