Kenya, Aug. 28 -- Former Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba faced a dramatic exit from the Kenyan Senate when she was chased at the Senate gate and forcibly removed by police, citing orders from above. The incident followed her expulsion from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) for alleged party violations, including disloyalty and misconduct.
The scene, marked by Orwoba crying for help, has reignited debates about political fairness, with James Aggrey Orengo's past warning, This government will punish you more than it will punish me, I am telling you, echoing in discussions about her ouster.
The confrontation unfolded outside the Senate in Nairobi, where Orwoba attempted to enter despite her expulsion. Security personnel, acting on directives, barred her access, and police physically carried her out of the compound as she protested.
The incident stemmed from UDA's decision to expel her in May 2025, citing violations such as her public support for former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i and criticism of government policies.
Orwoba's removal led to her Senate seat being declared vacant, with Consolata Wakwabubi gazetted as her replacement by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on August 15, 2025.
Despite a Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) ruling on August 20 nullifying her expulsion due to procedural lapses, Orwoba was still chased at the senate gate.
The tribunal, chaired by Desma Nungo, found UDA's disciplinary process lacked fairness, as Orwoba was not given a proper hearing or formal notification of her expulsion.
However, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi's earlier gazette notice on May 21, 2025, declaring her seat vacant, complicated her reinstatement efforts. Orwoba's defiance, daring officers to arrest her while crying for help, shows her determination to challenge what she called an unlawful ouster.
The incident has sparked widespread reactions, with social media users debating the fairness of Orwoba's treatment. Some view her as a victim of political vendettas, while others argue her party's violations justified her removal.
James Aggrey Orengo's 2018 statement, This government will punish you more than it will punish me, I am telling you, has resurfaced, with many interpreting it as a prophetic warning about political retribution.
Orwoba's ouster highlights tensions within UDA and raises questions about the balance of power in Kenya's political landscape. The drama of Orwoba being chased at the Senate gate has fueled discussions about party loyalty and disciplinary processes.
Her cries for help as police removed her from the compound have become a symbol of resistance for her supporters, who argue she was unfairly targeted. The PPDT's ruling offered temporary hope, but the Senate's refusal to honour it has left her status uncertain.
Orengo's words resonate as a reminder of the challenges faced by outspoken politicians in navigating party politics. As the saga continues, Orwoba remains vocal, accusing Senate leadership of perpetuating illegalities.
The image of her being chased at the Senate gate while crying for help has galvanised her base, with calls for justice trending online. The reference to Orengo's statement underscores the perception of selective punishment within the government.
Whether Orwoba can reclaim her seat through ongoing legal battles remains unclear, but her ordeal has spotlighted the complexities of political allegiance in Kenya.
In conclusion, Gloria Orwoba's dramatic removal, chased at the senate gate and crying for help, has exposed deep rifts in Kenya's political system. The incident, tied to alleged party violations, reflects the challenges of dissent within ruling coalitions.
James Aggrey Orengo's warning about government punishment rings true for many observers, framing Orwoba's ouster as a cautionary tale. As debates over her treatment and the fairness of UDA's actions persist, the image of Orwoba crying for help at the senate gate remains a powerful symbol of political struggle.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.