Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba has been expelled from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), in a move that is expected to cost her parliamentary seat. The party’s Disciplinary Committee reached the decision after a hearing, with the National Executive Committee (NEC) subsequently ratifying the expulsion during a meeting held on Monday, May 19.
In an official statement, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar confirmed that Orwoba had been dismissed from the party and would no longer be authorized to act or speak on its behalf in any capacity. The party has since nominated Consolata Wabwire Wakwabubi from Kimilili Constituency, Bungoma County, to replace her and has formally written to the Senate to initiate her removal.
“Pursuant to Article 29 of the UDA Party Constitution, and having exhaustively deliberated on the matters before it, the Party’s Disciplinary Committee has resolved that Sen. Gloria Orwoba be expelled from the membership of the United Democratic Alliance with immediate effect,” Omar announced.
Orwoba’s expulsion follows a series of actions the party deemed disloyal. Chief among them was her recent attendance at the homecoming ceremony of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i—an event viewed by some within UDA as a political statement that undermined the party’s values. The disciplinary committee chairperson, Charles Njenga, also pointed to other incidents, including Orwoba publicly welcoming Matiang’i back to the country and participating in media interviews where she reportedly criticized government programs.
While acknowledging the party’s commitment to freedom of expression, Omar stressed that UDA expects its members to remain loyal to party ideals and not operate across political divides.
“Fidelity and loyalty to party ideals are fundamental to its constitution and to further consolidate our multiparty politics by strengthening political parties. Hon. Gloria Orwoba cannot, therefore, continue to play for two political teams simultaneously,” Omar said.
The decision is likely to fuel further debate about internal democracy within parties and the limits of political expression, especially among nominated lawmakers whose positions are closely tied to party loyalty.
Orwoba, who has often been outspoken on social justice and gender issues, has yet to publicly respond to the expulsion. Her removal is the latest in a series of disciplinary actions taken by UDA as it seeks to assert internal order and discipline ahead of upcoming political realignments.