The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) has questioned the rush with which Senate Speaker Amason Kingi gazetted the removal of Gloria Orwoba as a Senator.
In a statement dated Thursday, May 22, the party led by former DP Rigathi Gachagua expressed that the gazettment was done while there was still an outstanding petition in court.
DCP noted that the move to dewhip Orwoba was oppressive, further throwing their weight behind the former Senator.
"The Senate Speaker’s rush to declare her seat vacant, even while a court order was in place, is a dangerous signal of the shrinking democratic space under President Ruto’s leadership," read the statement in part.
"Senator Gloria Orwoba has been a fearless voice for girls' rights, justice, and human dignity. She is not alone—DCP stands with her. We will continue to defend every Kenyan’s right to speak, question, and participate without fear."
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On the other hand, the opposition party wondered why UDA had singled out Orwoba for merely attending the homewelcoming event of former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i.
"The recent expulsion of Senator Gloria Orwoba by UDA is a clear sign of growing political intolerance. What were her so-called crimes? First, she attended a cultural event in her home county, Kisii, where leaders from across the political divide—including ODM’s Simba Arati—gathered to welcome Hon. Fred Matiang’i. This was a show of unity, not division," DCP added.
Orwoba was expelled from UDA after the ruling party expressed that she was disloyal following recent remarks in the media and the Matiang'i homecoming.
On her part, the former Senator noted that the move to expel her from UDA was a tactic aimed at silencing her for criticising the government.
"If you look at what is happening, it means you will be afraid to raise an issue on the floor of the House (Parliament) because some people here might come and use party machinery to silence you," she expressed.
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