Gloria Orwoba readmitted to Senate after issuing prescribed apology
Nominated senator Gloria Orwoba secured readmission to the Senate chamber on Thursday, March 20, 2025, after reading the prescribed apology.
Orwoba, who had previously refused to read an apology statement, was required to do so as part of a process to resolve the situation.
In her apology, Orwoba acknowledged her actions and expressed regret for the disruption caused.
“I, Senator Gloria Orwoba, hereby tender my unreserved apology to the Senate, honourable senators, the clerk of the Senate, and the secretariat of Parliament for having acted in a manner that, pursuant to section 16(e) and paragraphs 7 and 8 of the Fourth Schedule to the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act, 2017, constituted a breach of parliamentary privilege and that reflected adversely on the dignity and integrity of Parliament and its members and was contrary to the best interests of Parliament and its members,” the apology reads.
“I undertake that I shall abide by the responsibilities of leadership as set out in the constitution, the Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012, and the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act, 2017. I therefore beseech to be admitted to the chamber. I thank you.
Walk out
On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, Orwoba walked out of the Senate chambers after she refused to read a pre-written apology statement.
The legislator, whose 79-day suspension, which was to end on May 1, 2025, was revised to 30 days, was invited to read an apology letter written by the powers and privileges committee and ratified by the senate plenary, but she read her own statement.
However, Senate speaker Amason Kingi noted the varying wording from the statement, urging Orwoba to read the prescribed apology or leave the chambers until such a time that she will be able to read the exact apology.
“Mr. Speaker, I, Senator Gloria Orwoba, hereby tender my unreserved apology to this Senate. I undertake that I shall abide by the responsibilities of leadership as set out in the constitution, the Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012, and the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act, 2017. I therefore beseech to be admitted to the chamber. I thank you,” Orwoba read to the chagrin of the Senate speaker.
FIDA on Orwoba’s apology
On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA Kenya) expressed its concern with the impasse involving the nominated senator.
The women’s rights organization faulted speaker Kingi for denying Orwoba the chance to make her apology.
“We, the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya), have closely followed the developments surrounding Senator Orwoba. She was expected to make an apology, and her attempt to tender an apology to the Senate was, however, declined by Speaker Hon. Amason Kingi, who termed it as her version and insisted that she read a predetermined apology prepared by the House, despite the matter being in court, part of the FIDA statement read.
