The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party has expelled nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba from its ranks with immediate effect.
The decision, announced by UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar on Monday, May 19, 2025.
Follows a recommendation from the party’s Disciplinary Committee, which was subsequently ratified by the UDA National Executive Committee (NEC).
This move is poised to cost Senator Orwoba her parliamentary seat, as the party has already initiated steps to replace her in the Senate.
The expulsion stems from accusations of gross misconduct and a clear violation of the party’s code of conduct and constitution.
Particularly concerning alleged disloyalty to the UDA and its leadership
Reasons Behind the Expulsion: Allegiance and Public Criticism
According to the UDA, Senator Orwoba’s actions demonstrated “allegiance to another political movement” and “conduct unbecoming and disloyalty.”
Key incidents cited by the Disciplinary Committee include:
Association with Former CS Fred Matiang’i
Orwoba’s presence at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to welcome former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i upon his return to Kenya on April 22, 2025.
This was followed by her attendance at his official homecoming ceremony in Kisii on May 2, 2025.
Additionally, Matiang’i is perceived by some within the UDA as a potential political challenger to President William Ruto in the 2027 presidential race.
The party stated that “Hon. Gloria Orwoba cannot therefore continue to play for two political teams simultaneously.”
Public Criticism of Government Programs
Accusations also include her public criticism of President Ruto’s administration.
Specifically regarding the labour mobility programme, during a radio interview on April 22, 2025.
Failure to Respond to Summons
The UDA also noted that Senator Orwoba repeatedly failed to respond to invitations from the Disciplinary Committee.
Therefore, she chose instead to communicate through her legal representatives and reportedly obtained a High Court order to temporarily suspend proceedings at one point.
The party asserted that despite ample opportunity, she declined to appear in person, undermining internal dispute resolution mechanisms.
The disciplinary case was initiated by complaints from UDA members Festus Omwamba and Henry Muriithi.
Procedural Steps Taken
UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar announced that the party has formally written to the Speaker of the Senate to initiate the process of Orwoba’s removal from the Senate.
Additionally, the party has notified the Registrar of Political Parties (RPP) and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of her expulsion.
Replacement Nomination
Per the party’s nomination rules and the party list submitted to the IEBC before the 2022 General Elections.
UDA has nominated Consolata Wabwire Wakwabubi from Kimilili Constituency, Bungoma County, to fill the resulting vacancy in the Senate.
Party’s Stance on Loyalty
While reaffirming its commitment to democratic rights.
UDA emphasized that party loyalty and discipline are non-negotiable.
The party stated that Senator Orwoba’s actions were incompatible with the values and objectives of UDA.
In addition to asserting that she could not continue to “play for two political teams simultaneously.”
Orwoba’s Past Controversies and Future Outlook
Senator Orwoba has been known for her outspoken nature on various issues, including social justice and gender matters.
Her past has included other controversies, such as being suspended from Senate sittings over dress code.
As of the time of this report, Senator Orwoba has yet to issue a public statement in direct response to her expulsion from the party.
Her removal is the latest in a series of disciplinary actions taken by the UDA as it seeks to assert internal order and consolidate its base ahead of upcoming political realignments.
The legal process of her removal from the Senate is now expected to commence, drawing significant attention to the dynamics of party discipline in Kenya’s multi-party political system.
Next Steps
The Senate is expected to deliberate on the matter following the formal communication from UDA.
If the Senate Speaker acts upon the party’s request, Senator Orwoba will lose her seat, and Consolata Wabwire Wakwabubi will be sworn in as her replacement.
For further updates on this developing story, stay tuned to our platform.
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