Nairobi, Kenya – Consolata Nabwire Wakwabubi has officially been sworn in as a nominated senator, taking over from Gloria Orwoba, who was expelled from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) earlier this year.
Wakwabubi, a party nominee from Bungoma County, took the oath of office on Wednesday in a ceremony presided over by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi.
Her ascension follows her gazettement by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on August 15 as the new occupant of the women’s special seat.
“I, Consolata Nabwire Wakwabubi, having been elected a member of the Senate, do swear in the name of the Almighty God that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the people and the Republic of Kenya… and that I will faithfully and conscientiously discharge the duties of a Member of Parliament. So help me God,” she declared during the swearing-in.
Orwoba’s Ouster From UDA
The change comes after Gloria Orwoba lost her seat when UDA expelled her from the party and struck her name from its membership register.
Her removal was triggered by what the party described as disloyalty, citing her participation in homecoming events for former Interior Cabinet Secretary and opposition figure Dr. Fred Matiang’i, as well as her open criticism of government policies.
On May 19, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar announced that the party’s Disciplinary Committee had resolved to eject Orwoba after “exhaustive deliberations.”
He noted the decision was anchored in Article 29 of the UDA Constitution and later endorsed by the National Executive Committee (NEC).
“Senator Gloria Orwoba ceases to be a member of the UDA Party. Consequently, she no longer enjoys any privileges accorded to party members, nor is she authorized to represent or act on behalf of the party in any capacity,” Omar stated at the time.
The following day, Speaker Kingi formally declared her seat vacant through a notice citing Article 101(2) of the Constitution.
Fresh Chapter in the Senate
Wakwabubi’s swearing-in now ushers in a new phase for UDA’s representation in the Senate, strengthening the ruling party’s numerical advantage even as it grapples with internal discipline and loyalty issues.
Her appointment is also seen as a political statement by the party, underlining its zero-tolerance stance on dissent as it gears up for the 2027 elections.
