The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has formally announced Consolata Nabwire Wakwabubi as the United Democratic Alliance's (UDA) nominated senator, replacing Gloria Orwoba.
In an official Gazette Notice dated August 14, IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon announced the removal of Orwoba’s name from the list of women nominated to the Senate under the ruling party.
Wakwabubi, a party nominee from Bungoma County, was inserted in her place. Hailing from Kimilili, Wakwabubi was originally listed on the UDA's 2022 party list of nominees.
The chairperson directed that Orwoba be struck off as Senate nominee number four under UDA with immediate effect, and that Wakwabubi assume the slot.
The move cements the party’s decision to eject Orwoba following months of escalating tensions.
Orwoba’s troubles with UDA began when she shifted allegiance from the party and attended opposition movement rallies, prompting UDA to issue warnings to her.
In a press release signed by Secretary General Hassan Omar on May 19, UDA announced that its Disciplinary Committee had unanimously resolved to terminate her membership.
The committee cited a petition by members Festus Omwamba and Henry Muriithi, who accused Orwoba of breaching Article 29 of the party constitution.
IEBC’s move to Gazette her replacement comes a day after the ex-senator lost a court battle against the UDA party after the High Court dismissed it.
The ruling was delivered by Justice Lawrence Mugambi, who stated that "It is my humble conclusion that the Petitioner [Orwoba] has not demonstrated that the 1st Respondent [UDA] Disciplinary Committee is in contempt of the specific Court order," the judge ruled.
The court also concluded that Orwoba misused the court's process as she was attempting to have the same matter heard in two different forums at the same time.
