The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) has condemned the move by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi to declare Senator Gloria Orwoba’s seat vacant, terming the decision as rushed and unjustified.
The party, led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, also weighed in on Orwoba’s expulsion from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
DCP described Orwoba’s expulsion as a blatant act of political intolerance and a threat to Kenya’s democratic space.
The party criticised Kingi’s decision, saying it was made despite an active court order barring such action.
“The Senate Speaker’s rush to declare her seat vacant, even while a court order was in place, is a dangerous signal of the shrinking democratic space,” the party warned.
In a statement released on Wednesday, May 22, 2025, DCP claimed that while the party professes to champion democracy, its actions betray authoritarian tendencies.
“The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) is the true embodiment of democratic values in Kenya. While parties like UDA claim to stand for democracy, their actions prove otherwise,” the statement read.
“DCP doesn’t just carry the word democracy in its name—we live it, we practice it, and we protect it.”
The party cited Orwoba’s expulsion as a warning sign of diminishing tolerance for dissenting voices in Kenya, arguing that her removal was based on actions that should not warrant political punishment in a democratic society.
Orwoba’s first “offence,” according to DCP, was her participation in a community event in Kisii County, which was attended by leaders across the political divide, including ODM Governor Simba Arati.
The event was meant to welcome former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i back into the public eye.
“This was a show of unity, not division,” DCP said, dismissing claims that the event signified disloyalty to UDA.
Secondly, the party lauded Orwoba for questioning the Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary, Alfred Mutua, over the overseas jobs programme.
DCP described Orwoba’s stance as “bold and necessary.”
“That is exactly what leadership looks like: standing for truth and demanding answers.”
Calling Orwoba a “fearless voice for girls’ rights, justice, and human dignity,” DCP pledged full support for the embattled senator and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the constitutional rights of all Kenyans.
“She
is not alone, DCP stands with her. We will continue to defend every Kenyan’s
right to speak, question, and participate without fear.”
Senator
Orwoba was expelled by UDA on the grounds of gross misconduct, with Speaker
Kingi declaring her Senate seat vacant on Wednesday, May 22, 2025.
