Nairobi– Kenya’s ruling party, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), has expelled Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba with immediate effect, accusing her of betraying party ideals and aligning with political opponents.
In a statement released Monday, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar said the decision followed a disciplinary process and had been unanimously adopted by the party’s National Executive Committee.
“Senator Gloria Orwoba has been expelled from the UDA party,” Omar said. “She no longer holds membership status and is not authorized to represent or act on behalf of the party in any capacity.”
The party has formally written to Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, the Registrar of Political Parties, and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), asking them to begin the process of removing her from Parliament.
A New Name Put Forward
UDA has already nominated a replacement. Consolata Wabwire Wakwabubi, a party member from Kimilili in Bungoma County, has been proposed to fill Orwoba’s Senate seat. Her name was drawn from the party’s pre-submitted nomination list from the 2022 general elections.
The move marks a firm response from UDA’s leadership in what has become a growing test of party discipline.
‘Playing for Two Teams’
Orwoba, once seen as a rising figure within the party, has lately grown distant from UDA’s inner circles. Her open association with former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i a known critic of President William Ruto and a rumored 2027 presidential contender raised eyebrows.
Without naming Matiang’i directly, the party implied Orwoba’s alliances outside UDA had crossed a line.
“She cannot continue to play for two political teams simultaneously,” read the statement. “Fidelity and loyalty to party ideals are not optional.”
Omar stressed that while UDA supports democratic freedoms, members are expected to show commitment to the party that sponsored them to office. “You cannot claim freedom of association while actively undermining the very institution that gave you a platform,” he said.
No Public Response From Orwoba
As of Tuesday morning, Orwoba had not issued a formal response to the expulsion. It remains unclear whether she will challenge the move or take legal action.
Political observers say her ouster highlights a broader effort by UDA to consolidate its ranks ahead of the 2027 elections. With growing tensions between Ruto’s allies and potential breakaway figures, the party appears intent on tightening internal discipline.
Orwoba was among the vocal figures in the Senate, especially on matters of gender equality and youth representation. Her departure could stir reactions from civil society groups and supporters who viewed her as a fresh voice in a traditionally rigid political arena.
For now, UDA insists the action is about party cohesion not personal politics.
“This is about the integrity of our institutions,” Omar said. “Without discipline, there is no direction. And without direction, there can be no leadership.”
Whether this move strengthens UDA or signals deeper fractures within its ranks remains to be seen.
