Gloria Orwoba has officially lost her seat as a nominated Senator after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) gazetted her replacement, setting a historic precedent in Kenya’s political landscape.
In a notice dated August 15, the IEBC named Consolata Nabwire as the new nominated Senator, effectively ending Orwoba’s three-year stint in the Upper House. This marks the first time in Kenya’s history that a legislator has lost their seat following expulsion by their sponsoring political party.
Orwoba, a vocal first-term lawmaker, was expelled from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in May for alleged disloyalty and violation of party ideals. Her troubles began when she attended homecoming events for former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, a key opposition figure and declared 2027 presidential hopeful. She also openly criticized government policies, straining her relationship with party leadership.
UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar announced her expulsion on May 19, after the party’s disciplinary committee concluded deliberations. The National Executive Committee later ratified the decision, stripping Orwoba of all privileges associated with the party.
Following the move, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi formally declared her seat vacant, citing Article 101(2) of the Constitution. Orwoba’s attempt to challenge the expulsion in court was thwarted when Justice Lawrence Mugambi dismissed her urgent application, terming it procedurally flawed.
Her political woes have been compounded by legal setbacks. In June, the Milimani Commercial Court ordered her to pay Sh10.5 million in damages to Senate Clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye after finding that her social media posts accusing him of sexual harassment were defamatory and malicious. Magistrate Ruguru Ngotho ruled that her remarks, made outside Parliament, were not protected by privilege and had caused Nyegenye distress and embarrassment. Orwoba has since vowed to appeal.
The gazettement of Consolata Nabwire not only seals Orwoba’s fate but also underscores the growing power of political parties in disciplining errant members. It highlights the delicate balance between freedom of expression and party loyalty, a dynamic that will shape Kenya’s political discourse ahead of the 2027 elections.
