NAIROBI, Kenya- In a ruling that has drawn attention across Kenya’s political landscape, the High Court has upheld the Senate’s decision to suspend nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba for one session, dismissing her petition challenging the suspension.
The decision solidifies the Senate’s authority in handling issues related to parliamentary conduct.
The court’s ruling affirmed the findings of the Senate Committee on Powers and Privileges, which had conducted an investigation into allegations of misconduct against Orwoba.
The committee’s probe was prompted by Orwoba’s public accusations against a Senate official, which were deemed to have violated the principles of parliamentary privilege.
I was suspended from the Senate for six months for reporting Harrasment. A complete smear campaign was then engineered to further shame me and I (the victim) was blamed, as the aggressor was protected. Remember that. (2)
Justice Lawrence Mugambi emphasized that the Senate acted within its constitutional rights to maintain decorum and uphold the Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament.
This decision underlines the importance of preserving the integrity of parliamentary proceedings and the need for members to adhere to the established standards.
While Orwoba’s suspension stands, the ruling sends a broader message about the balance of power within Kenya’s legislature.
The Senate is empowered to regulate the behavior of its members and ensure that conduct aligns with the ethical expectations of the body.
The High Court’s decision to uphold Senator Gloria Orwoba’s suspension serves as a reminder of the power held by legislative bodies to maintain order and discipline.
While Orwoba’s case has sparked significant public interest, the ruling underscores the importance of respecting the Code of Conduct within Kenya’s parliament.
As the nation watches, it remains to be seen how this decision will shape future proceedings in the Senate and the broader political arena.
