High Court rejects Orwoba bid to halt UDA ouster

Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba. [File, Standard]

The High Court has dismissed a petition by nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba seeking to block her expulsion from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), dealing a major blow to her efforts to retain her Senate seat.

Justice Lawrence Mugambi rejected Orwoba's application, describing it as "incompetent" and noting that she had introduced new parties to the case without the court's permission.

"The application is incompetent and is rejected," Mugambi ruled on May 20.

He maintained previous court directions, signalling that Orwoba's challenge had failed at the preliminary stage.

The ruling came just a day after UDA officially expelled Orwoba from the party, accusing her of gross misconduct and violating the party's constitution.

"Consequently, she no longer enjoys any privileges accorded to party members nor is she authorised to represent or act on behalf of the party in any capacity," said UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar in a statement.

He added that the party had already notified the Speaker of the Senate and the Registrar of Political Parties to initiate her removal process.

Orwoba's troubles escalated after she openly aligned herself with former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, a perceived political rival of President William Ruto and a possible challenger in the 2027 presidential election.

"Gloria Orwoba cannot, therefore, continue playing for two political teams simultaneously," Omar noted.

The party accused Orwoba of consistently undermining UDA by making statements that damaged its image and ignoring several summonses from the party's disciplinary organ.

Instead of appearing in person, she responded through her legal team, which the party viewed as undermining its internal dispute resolution mechanisms.

Her expulsion was endorsed by UDA's National Executive Committee (NEC) following recommendations by the Disciplinary Committee.

She has since been replaced by Consolata Wabwire Wakwabubi from Bungoma.

The first-term senator had accompanied Matiang'i during his return from the United States and joined him during his homecoming tour of Kisii, further straining her ties with UDA leadership.