The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has gazetted Consolata Nabwire as the new nominated Senator, officially replacing Gloria Orwoba in a move that makes political history.
In a notice dated August 15, the commission confirmed Nabwire’s appointment, bringing Orwoba’s three-year stay in the Senate to an abrupt end. She now becomes the first legislator in Kenya to lose a seat through expulsion by her sponsoring party.
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Like elected members, nominated senators enjoy full perks, including salaries and allowances exceeding Sh1 million.
Orwoba, a fiery first-term lawmaker, was expelled from the ruling UDA party over allegations of disloyalty and breach of party principles. Her fallout was linked to attending events hosted by former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, an opposition figure and 2027 presidential aspirant, and openly criticizing government policies.
Her ouster follows a series of personal and political setbacks. Just recently, the Milimani Commercial Court ordered her to pay Sh10.5 million in damages after ruling that her social media posts accusing Senate Clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye of sexual harassment were defamatory and malicious.
The court dismissed her defense that the remarks were shielded by parliamentary privilege, noting they were made outside the House. She has since vowed to appeal.
“The defendant’s conduct during proceedings was casual and non-compliant. Freedom of speech cannot be weaponised to destroy reputations,” Magistrate Ruguru Ngotho observed in her ruling.
On May 19, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar announced Orwoba’s expulsion following recommendations by the party’s disciplinary committee. The National Executive Committee later ratified the decision.
A day later, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi declared her seat vacant, citing Article 101(2) of the Constitution. The announcement stated that Orwoba’s seat, held under Article 98(1)(b), was officially vacant as of May 21, 2025.
Her last attempt to challenge the decision in court was unsuccessful, with Justice Lawrence Mugambi dismissing her urgent petition, ruling it was procedurally defective.
