Former nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba has expressed regret over her role in the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Speaking in an interview on Thursday, May 22, Orwoba acknowledged that the process was flawed and unsubstantiated.
She reflected on her decision, saying all charges brought against Gachagua at the time lacked merit, noting that none could be proven.
"I regret impeaching Rigathi Gachagua; however, during the impeachment, you can see that I was one of the people who said, 'you are bringing 11 counts and you can't substantiate any,'" she stated.
Orwoba noted that the only valid element in Gachagua's impeachment was his growing support base, something she believes was misunderstood.
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"I said the only thing that has been substantiated in all the 11 counts is the fact that Gachagua had a movement coming from his community that was misinterpreted by Kenyans," she added.
This comes two days after Orwoba's seat in the Senate was declared vacant.
In a gazette notice, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi confirmed that the seat becomes vacant effective Wednesday, May 21.
"It is notified for the general information of the public that pursuant to Article 101 (2) of the Constitution of Kenya, a seat of the Member of the Senate elected under Article 98 (1) (b) of the constitution, held by Senator Gloria Orwoba, has become vacant with effect from the 21st May, 2025," the notice read.
Orwoba was expelled from the ruling party over alleged disloyalty and breach of the party’s constitutional values.
UDA Secretary General Senator Hassan Omar Hassan said the party's Disciplinary Committee resolved to expel Orwoba following exhaustive deliberation on matters presented before it.
Omar defended the party's action by emphasizing the importance of loyalty to political parties within a multiparty democracy.
“While the UDA Party upholds the values of freedom of expression and association as enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya 2010, fidelity and loyalty to Party ideals are fundamental to its constitution and to further consolidate our multiparty politics by strengthening political parties.
"Gloria Orwoba cannot, therefore, continue to play for two political teams simultaneously," the statement read in part.
