Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba got some relief after the High Court suspended disciplinary proceedings against her by the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) after the party's hierarchy questioned her loyalty.
Justice Lawrence Mugambi temporarily halted the disciplinary hearings planned for Friday, May 16, until a case Orwoba has filed challenging the party's action against her is heard and determined.
"That pending hearing and determination of this application, a conservatory order is hereby issued suspending disciplinary proceedings by the Respondent against the Petitioner founded on the allegations contained in a letter to the Petitioner by the UDA," the ruling read in part.
A section of UDA leadership was not pleased by her decision to attend the homecoming party of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, which led officials of President William Ruto's party to question the senator's loyalty.
UDA's disciplinary committee summoned Orwoba over actions the party alleged violated its code of conduct.
In a statement signed by the disciplinary committee chairperson, Charles Njenga, the party cited three incidents as grounds for disciplinary action.
Apart from attending the homecoming party of Dr Matiang'i, who has expressed interest in running for the presidency in 2027, UDA cited the instance when Orwoba welcomed the former CS at JKIA. They also pointed out a recent interview where she reportedly criticised the government’s labour mobility program, a flagship plan of President Ruto's administration.
"Your participation and utterances in the above-stated events demonstrate instances and proof of allegiance to another political movement, conduct unbecoming and disloyalty to UDA and which nominated you to the office and position of Senator in the Senate of the Republic of Kenya," the statement read.
In a quick rejoinder, Orwoba moved to court through her lawyer, Moses Mabeya, to seek orders to stop the disciplinary grilling.
Following the conservatory orders issued by Justice Mugambi, the disciplinary hearing remains on hold until the case is heard and awaits further judicial consideration.
The disciplinary case adds to the multiple challenges she has faced, primarily revolving around allegations of misconduct and political disputes.
Previously, Orwoba was suspended from the Senate for six months after making unsubstantiated claims of abuse and corruption in a Senate WhatsApp group.
The Senate’s Powers and Privileges Committee found her in breach of parliamentary privilege.
