The Gloria Orwoba expulsion case has taken a new turn after the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) cancelled her removal from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The tribunal ruled that the decision to expel the former nominated senator was unlawful and did not follow the right procedure.
In its Tuesday evening ruling, the tribunal said UDA’s disciplinary process was full of irregularities. It added that Orwoba’s removal failed to meet the standards of fairness required under the law.
“The decision to expel Gloria Orwoba is unlawful and illegal,” the tribunal stated. The judges added that the disciplinary committee acted outside its powers and failed to give her justice.
The PPDT went ahead to cancel the expulsion order. It also stopped the Registrar of Political Parties from removing Orwoba’s name from the party register. This order restored her membership in UDA.
Orwoba had challenged her expulsion, saying the party targeted her unfairly. She argued that UDA denied her a chance to defend herself properly.
This ruling came just a day before her replacement in the Senate, Consolata Nabwire Wakwabubi, took oath of office on Wednesday. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) had already gazetted Nabwire as Orwoba’s replacement last Friday.
The UDA party, led by President William Ruto, expelled Orwoba in May 2025. Party officials accused her of gross misconduct and breaking the UDA constitution and code of conduct.
UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar said then that the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) unanimously approved the expulsion. The decision followed a report by the party’s Disciplinary Committee.
The committee had found Orwoba guilty of making public statements that damaged UDA’s reputation. It also accused her of ignoring several invitations to appear in person before the committee. Instead, she responded through her lawyers.
Omar said the NEC reviewed all evidence and concluded that her actions went against the party’s values. He added that Orwoba had been given enough chances to defend herself but refused to cooperate.
After her expulsion, UDA wrote to the Registrar of Political Parties and the Speaker of the Senate to confirm the decision. On May 21, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi announced her seat vacant, paving the way for Nabwire to take over.
The tribunal’s ruling now throws the matter into confusion. While Nabwire has already been sworn in, Orwoba has regained her membership in UDA.
The final outcome of the Gloria Orwoba expulsion case could still face further legal battles.
