Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba shown the door as Senate declares seat vacant
This comes just a day after the High Court dismissed her application challenging her expulsion from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
It is the end of the road for nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba after the Senate on Wednesday declared her seat vacant.
The declaration was made by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, with effect from May 21, 2025, in line with Article 101(2) of the Constitution.
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This comes just a day after the High Court dismissed her application challenging her expulsion from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
“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,” reads the gazette notice.
Orwoba’s exit comes after a High Court ruling on Tuesday dealt a major blow to her efforts to remain in office, with Justice Lawrence Mugambi terming her legal challenge “incompetent” due to procedural errors.
“The application is incompetent and is rejected,” reads the ruling in part.
The court faulted her for introducing new parties into the case without first seeking permission to amend her original petition, which is a legal requirement.
Her urgent application had been filed on May 19 seeking to reverse her ouster from UDA, but it was dismissed before the court could even consider the merits of the case.
However, on Wednesday, the High Court issued conservatory orders suspending her expulsion.
Justice Lawrence Mugambi issued the orders following an application by Orwoba, which sought to suspend the UDA party disciplinary committee expelling her.
"That pending hearing and determination of this Application, a conservatory order is hereby issued suspending the implementation of the decision of the UDA Party Disciplinary Committee dated16/05/2025 expelling the Petitioner herein as a member of the UDA party and/or a nominated senator", the order reads.
The ruling party, led by President William Ruto, had expelled Orwoba for what it described as gross misconduct and breach of the party’s constitution and code of conduct.
UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar said the decision to expel her was unanimously endorsed by the party’s National Executive Committee, following recommendations by the Disciplinary Committee.
Orwoba was found guilty of several violations, including making public statements that damaged the party’s reputation and repeatedly ignoring summons to appear before the Disciplinary Committee.
Despite being given multiple chances to present her defense, she opted to engage through lawyers and failed to appear in person.
The party said this undermined internal resolution channels and showed an unwillingness to cooperate.
Her removal now opens the way for the party and the electoral commission to initiate the process of filling the vacancy left in the Senate.
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