Former nominated senator Gloria Orwoba on July 15, 2025. /SCREENGRABFormer nominated senator Gloria Orwoba says she will appeal a court ruling ordering her to pay Sh10 million to Senate Clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye for defamation.
Milimani Commercial Court Magistrate Ruguru Ngotho found that Orwoba’s social media posts accusing Nyegenye of sexual harassment were defamatory, malicious, and unsubstantiated.
The magistrate dismissed her argument that the remarks were protected by parliamentary privilege, noting they were made outside Parliament.
The court agreed with Nyegenye that the defamatory statements caused him emotional distress and embarrassment.
“The conduct of the defendant throughout the proceedings was casual and non-compliant. An award of aggravated damages is necessary to serve as a reminder that freedom of speech should not be used as a weapon to destroy reputations,” Magistrate Ngotho ruled.
Orwoba was also directed to issue a public apology on her social media platforms and in a national newspaper within 30 days, or face an additional Sh1 million fine.
Speaking on Tuesday, Orwoba remained defiant, vowing to challenge the ruling, saying,
“I believe in the judicial system, which is why I have filed an appeal. I will challenge this judgment,” she said, adding, “God would be ashamed of me if I resigned... God put me in Parliament for a reason. I am willing, ready, and capable of paying the price.”
Orwoba, who served a six-month suspension before being expelled from the House, dismissed calls to resign following the ruling, saying she still believes in her case.
