Orwoba loses seat as IEBC gazettes new Senator

Former UDA nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba has lost her seat after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) gazetted her replacement.

In the notice dated August 15, 2025, IEBC named Consolata Nabwire.

This comes a few months after Orwoba’s expulsion from the party over allegations of disloyalty and violation of party ideals.

Her expulsion was specifically linked to her participation in the homecoming events for former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i, a key opposition figure and 2027 presidential hopeful.

UDA viewed her involvement in the events, along with her public criticism of government policies, as acts of disloyalty and a breach of party ideals.

On May 19, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar announced that the party’s Disciplinary Committee had resolved to oust Orwoba after exhaustively deliberating on the matter.

Omar noted that the decision was made in line with Article 29 of the UDA Constitution and was later ratified by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

“Senator Gloria Orwoba ceases to be a member of the UDA Party. Consequently, she no longer enjoys any privileges accorded to party members, nor is she authorized to represent or act on behalf of the party in any capacity,” he said.

A day later, Senate after Speaker Amason Jeffah Kingi officially declared her seat vacant.

In a Gazette Notice dated May 21, 2025, and issued on the same day, Speaker Kingi announced the vacancy in accordance with Article 101(2) of the Constitution, following the invocation of Article 98(1)(b), which pertains to members elected to represent special interests.

“It is notified for the general information of the public that pursuant to Article 101(2) of the Constitution of Kenya, a seat of the Member of the Senate elected under Article 98(1)(b) of the Constitution, held by Senator Gloria Orwoba, has become vacant with effect from the 21st May, 2025,” the notice reads.

Just before the gazettement, Justice Lawrence Mugambi had rejected Orwoba’s attempt to block her expulsion from the Senate, citing procedural issues in her legal challenge.

Justice Lawrence Mugambi ruled that her application was incompetent, citing an amended petition without the court's approval.

"I have read the Notice of Motion application dated May 19, 2025, filed under certificate of urgency and the supporting affidavit Gloria Orwoba swore on May 19, 2025, and direct as follows.

"That it is apparent that the applicant has added new parties who are not in the original petition and without seeking the leave of this court to amend the petition. The Application is incompetent and is rejected. Previous directions are maintained," the Judge ruled.