Orwoba and UDA treasurer in fiery exchange over party loyalty
Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) national treasurer Japheth Nyakundi, on Saturday, May 10, 2025, engaged in a fiery exchange over party loyalty.
This followed claims that Orwoba had been summoned by the President William Ruto-led UDA party disciplinary committee over her links with former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
Orwoba’s presence at the welcoming ceremony of Matiang’i at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), as well as her attendance at his homecoming celebration held at Gusii Stadium, are said to be the root cause of her rift with UDA.
Taking to her official Facebook page, Orwoba warned Nyakundi and South Mugirango MP, who doubles up as the National Assembly Majority Whip, Sylvanus Osoro, that the Gusii community was watching them over their actions.
”Good morning, Sylvanus Osoro and Japheth Nyakundi … The Gusii community is watching you. Happy Sabbath,” Orwoba stated.
Party loyalty
In response, Nyakundi schooled Orwoba on party loyalty, noting that it is the only price that one can pay to a political party and its leader.
He went ahead to accuse Senator Orwoba of disregarding the loyalty to the UDA party, noting that she stands expelled, maintaining that the ruling party is so done with her.
According to Nyakundi, one cannot bite the hand that feeds him/her, warning that more will follow.
”The only price you pay in politics is loyalty to the party and the party leader. You have disregarded all that; we wish you all the best with your new party leader. As for UDA, we are done with you; you are no longer a party member. You can’t bite the hands that feed you. Mengine yatafwata,” Nyakundi wrote on Facebook.
Orwoba is also being accused of publicly criticising the government’s labour mobility programme dubbed Kazi Majuu – a key component of President Ruto’s administration.
Support for Matiang’i
Last week, Orwoba drummed up support for Matiang’i as he continues to voice his presidential ambitions.
Addressing a group of women in Kisii, the outspoken senator assured them that Matiang’i was the suitable candidate to safeguard women’s rights and counter the increasing violence against women.
“Sisi kama wamama, tumesema tunaingia ndani; kama wamama, tunatafuta nyumba ambayo tutaishi kwa amani, na tunasema hio nyumba kama ni ya Matiang’i, pia sisi tuko ndani,” she said amid cheers from the crowd.
Orwoba, who has continuously championed the rights and benefits of women, recently lamented being sidelined by the government on matters of women’s rights.
She expressed pessimism, noting that President Ruto had failed Kenyan women due to the increasing spate of gender-based violence (GBV) they encounter.
