Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has officially declared a vacancy in the seat held by nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba, marking the latest development in the legislator’s expulsion from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). The announcement, published in a gazette notice on Wednesday, confirms that the vacancy takes effect on May 21.
Orwoba’s removal follows a unanimous decision by UDA’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to expel her, citing gross misconduct and violations of the party’s constitution and code of conduct. In a statement issued Monday, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar emphasized that the ruling was based on recommendations from the party’s Disciplinary Committee.
The senator was found guilty of multiple misconduct charges, including making public remarks that allegedly tarnished the party’s image and failing to respond to disciplinary proceedings.
In response to the expulsion, UDA has withdrawn its Senate sponsorship for Orwoba and nominated Consolata Wabwire Wakwabubi from Kimilili, Bungoma, as her replacement.
Orwoba had sought to challenge the expulsion in court, but her efforts were unsuccessful. The High Court in Nairobi dismissed her application, with Justice Lawrence Mugambi ruling that the challenge was procedurally flawed and therefore incompetent.
Beyond the legal battle, the political career of Gloria Orwoba has been marked by controversy and activism. She gained national attention for her advocacy on menstrual health, famously attending a Senate session in stained clothing to protest period stigma. Her outspoken nature has earned both praise and criticism, fueling debates on party loyalty versus individual conviction.
