IEBC replaces Orwoba in Senate after tussle with UDA

Former nominated senator Gloria Orwoba. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has gazetted Consolata Wakwabubi as a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) nominated senator to replace Gloria Orwoba following her expulsion from the party's register.

UDA severed ties with Orwoba on May 19, announcing that she had been removed from the party register, leading to the automatic loss of her seat.

According to IEBC Chairman Erastus Ethekon, the changes have been made in line with various electoral laws governing party nominations for special seats in parliament.

"Pursuant to the provisions of section 37 of the Elections Act, 2011 and following the expulsion of Gloria Magoma Orwoba (Ms.), Member of Senate, from the register of membership of United Democratic Alliance (UDA), the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission...amends Gazette Notice No. 10537 of 2022, Vol. CXXIV-No. 181 published on the 7th September, 2022 in the Second Schedule to delete Gloria Magoma Orwoba and insert Consolata Nabwire Wakwabubi," read part of the notice dated August 15.

UDA initiated Orwoba's removal process after the party's disciplinary committee found her guilty of misconduct and violation of the code of conduct.

Additionally, the outspoken politician was accused of disloyalty due to her public support of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, who is seeking to unseat President William Ruto, the UDA party leader, in 2027.

"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 May.

"Gloria Orwoba cannot, therefore, continue playing for two political teams simultaneously," he added.

Following her expulsion, the party notified the Registrar of Political Parties and the Senate of amendments to its party membership.

However, Orwoba moved to court to challenge Senate Speaker Amason Kingi's gazette notice granting UDA's wishes in a bid to save her seat.

Consolata Wakwabubi is considered a UDA loyalist in Bungoma County and is expected to champion women's rights in the Senate.

For now, she will wait to take her oath of office to begin discharging her duties.