Orwoba says she is labelled a threat because she is strong woman in politics
Days after court halted her expulsion from the United Democratic Alliance, Gloria Orwoba has spoken out against what she describes as deeply rooted gender bias in Kenyan politics.
She claims that women leaders face harsher judgement for actions that their male counterparts are often celebrated for.
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Speaking during an interview with the Iko Nini Podcast on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, the outspoken legislator insisted that she has been branded a threat for demonstrating boldness and independence, traits she argues are embraced when exhibited by men in the political arena.
According to her, being a strong woman in politics attracts disproportionate scrutiny and condemnation.
“When you talk about people who are threats to the president, who said Gachagua is not one? For me, it was because, number one, I am a woman. Women in politics are not allowed to do anything. Women in politics are not allowed to change their minds. They are not allowed to speak; they are not allowed to be strong,” she said.
Orwoba criticised the double standards in political culture, pointing out that while men are free to switch alliances and take strong positions without consequences, women face backlash for the same moves.
She cited an example involving ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, arguing that actions that would spark outrage if done by a woman attract little attention when done by male politicians.
“Something that I will do, and people will react like, ‘How dare you?’ is something that Edwin Sifuna will do and drink tea, and we will all clap,” she added.
The senator also weighed in on the commonly used phrase that there are no permanent friends or enemies in politics, arguing that the political landscape allows men to realign based on interests without facing stigma, while women are denied the same flexibility.
“At the point when people say there are no permanent friends or enemies in politics, what they actually mean is given one time the wills shift and you align accordingly with the interests at hand.
“You will find certain guys like Atwoli—I am just giving an example. Today he is like, ‘Huyu mtu anafaa kuuliwa,’ like he is black, no grey area. Then he is called, and tomorrow he is in the State House, and no one is mad at him. Why? It is because Atwoli is a man. Do not put what he says in the heart. And it waters down quickly, and it is not seen as a big thing,” she said.
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Steve Ireri
Steve is a senior writer with over four years of experience in digital journalism. His focus is on the showbiz and human interest stories. Emails: [email protected] , [email protected]
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