Menstrual drama and 5 other major incidents that preceded Orwoba’s Senate expulsion

Senator Gloria Orwoba’s brief but intensely controversial tenure in the Senate has come to an abrupt end, marked by her expulsion from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the subsequent declaration of her seat as vacant by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi.

This dramatic conclusion follows a series of high-profile incidents that placed her at odds with both her party and the Senate’s established norms.

Here’s a look at the five major incidents that preceded Orwoba’s political downfall:

The menstruation incident

In February 2023, Senator Orwoba entered the Senate chambers wearing white trousers stained with red, a deliberate act to draw attention to period poverty and the stigma surrounding menstruation.

This action sparked a heated debate within the Senate, with some members deeming her attire indecent.

Speaker Kingi instructed her to leave and change her clothing.

This incident launched Orwoba into the national spotlight, dividing public opinion between those who lauded her activism and those who condemned her methods.

Ruto pinches Orwoba

President William Ruto pinched Senator Gloria Orwoba’s cheeks during a Kenya Kwanza Parliamentary Group meeting held at State House, Nairobi, on June 19, 2024.

The moment was captured on video and sparked widespread discussion on social media.

The incident occurred as Ruto was preparing to address the nation following a Kenya Kwanza Parliamentary Group meeting.

While waiting for all legislators to assemble behind him, Ruto turned to Orwoba, engaged in a brief conversation, and pinched her cheeks, to which she responded with a smile.

Nearly a year later, in May 2025, Orwoba addressed the incident in a media interview.

She explained that prior to the press conference, there had been a disagreement in a WhatsApp group involving several leaders, during which she had insulted a fellow member.

According to Orwoba, the President’s cheek pinch was a subtle way of admonishing her for the earlier altercation, reminding her to treat others with respect.

Initial Senate suspension

In February 2025, Senator Orwoba faced a 79-day suspension following accusations of making unsubstantiated allegations of sexual misconduct against parliamentary officials.

This suspension signalled a significant breakdown in relations between Orwoba and her Senate colleagues.

Suspension period reduced

In a subsequent development within the same month, the Senate reduced Orwoba’s suspension to 30 days.

This reduction could be interpreted as a form of compromise, but did not solve the underlying problems between senator Orwoba, and the senate.

Refusal to issue apology

In March 2025, upon her return from suspension, Orwoba refused to deliver a prescribed apology to the Senate, arguing that it could incriminate her.

This act of defiance further escalated tensions and demonstrated her unwillingness to conform to Senate protocols.

UDA expulsion

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party on May 19, 2025, announced Orwoba’s expulsion, citing disloyalty stemming from her association with former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.

Senate declares seat vacant

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi later declared Orwoba’s Senate seat vacant, formalising her removal from the legislative body.

In a special gazette notice dated May 21, 2025, Kingi declared that Orwoba’s seat had become vacant with immediate effect.

“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.

Down but not out

Orwoba’s political career was recusitated by a conservatory order suspending UDA’s decision to expel her from the party.

Justice Lawrence Mugambi, in a notice dated Wednesday, May 21, 2025, stopped Orwoba’s expulsion and her subsequent replacement pending the hearing and determination of the matter.

“That pending hearing and determination of this Application, a conservatory order is hereby issued suspending the implementation of the decision of the UDA Party Disciplinary Committee dated 16/05/2025 expelling the petitioner herein as a member of the UDA party and a nominated Senator,” read the court ruling.

Orwoba’s political trajectory, marked by both bold activism and defiant behaviour, ultimately led to her political isolation. Her expulsion underscores the delicate balance between individual expression and party allegiance within the Kenyan political landscape.