IEBC Confirms Consolata Wakwabubi to replace Gloria Orwoba

Orwoba’s political troubles began earlier in the year when she openly aligned herself with opposition activities. Her attendance at rallies associated with Fred Matiang’i, the former Cabinet Secretary turned opposition figure, was widely interpreted as an act of rebellion against the ruling party. This visible defiance alarmed UDA’s leadership, which prides itself on loyalty and internal discipline. By May 2025, UDA’s disciplinary committee, led by Secretary General Hassan Omar, had unanimously resolved to expel her. The committee cited violations of Article 29 of the party constitution, which emphasizes loyalty and fidelity to party ideals. Her expulsion not only stripped her of UDA membership but also of her Senate seat, as nominated positions are tethered to the party that sponsors them.

The matter did not end there. Orwoba moved to court to contest the expulsion, hoping to preserve her position in the Senate. However, her legal strategy backfired. High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi dismissed her case, criticizing her for abusing the judicial process by filing multiple suits in different forums on the same matter. The court directed her to pursue her complaint through the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal, the proper forum for such cases. In parallel, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi had already declared her seat vacant in May, setting the stage for IEBC to effect the replacement once the legal dust settled.

The gazettement of Consolata Wakwabubi thus brought closure to a saga that had tested the resilience of party discipline within UDA. For the ruling party, this decision sends a clear message: members who defy party positions risk losing not only goodwill but also the privileges of office. It underscores UDA’s commitment to maintaining a united front, especially as the country inches closer to the 2027 general election. By standing firm on internal discipline, UDA has signaled to both allies and rivals that party rules are not to be taken lightly.

For Orwoba, the downfall marks a dramatic turn in her political journey. She had carved a reputation as a bold and outspoken leader, particularly around issues affecting women and youth, but her willingness to defy her party line proved costly. With her Senate seat gone, she now faces the daunting task of redefining her political future. Reports indicate she may shift her focus to the 2027 parliamentary race in Bobasi constituency, where she hopes to ride on her grassroots appeal and possible alliances with figures sympathetic to Fred Matiang’i. Whether this gamble pays off will depend on her ability to rebrand herself outside the UDA framework.

Wakwabubi, on the other hand, steps into the Senate with the weight of expectation. While little-known nationally, her nomination offers her a chance to build her political career on a larger platform. She now carries the responsibility of representing not only UDA’s interests but also the broader expectations of Kenyans who view nominated senators as champions of inclusivity. Her performance in the coming years will determine whether she emerges as a substantive player in Kenya’s political space or remains a placeholder elevated by party circumstances.

Beyond the individual fates of Orwoba and Wakwabubi, this episode speaks volumes about Kenya’s political terrain. Party discipline, judicial restraint, and institutional authority all played a role in shaping the outcome. The courts reinforced the importance of proper procedure, reminding politicians that disputes must pass through designated channels like the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal. The IEBC, for its part, acted as the final arbiter, ensuring that constitutional and administrative processes were followed to the letter. In the end, each institution performed its role in maintaining political order.

This case also raises questions about the vulnerability of nominated seats. While they are meant to enhance representation, especially for women and marginalized groups, they can easily be lost when party loyalty is questioned. The balance between ensuring inclusivity and safeguarding party cohesion remains delicate. Orwoba’s experience illustrates how quickly nominated leaders can fall from grace when they cross political lines.

Looking ahead, the replacement of Orwoba with Wakwabubi is more than a personnel change; it is a reminder of the rules governing political survival in Kenya. For UDA, it strengthens the culture of unity and loyalty. For Orwoba, it marks both an end and a beginning—a forced exit from the Senate but also a potential launchpad for an independent political path. For Wakwabubi, it is an opportunity to rise, but one that comes with immense pressure to remain firmly aligned with the party that brought her to Parliament.