Political Parties Tribunal Rules in Favour of Gloria Orwoba, Orders Immediate Reinstatement
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Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba has been reinstated after the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) ruled that her removal from the Senate was unlawful.
In a judgment delivered this afternoon in Nairobi, the tribunal found that the UDA Party’s Electoral Nomination and Dispute Resolution Committee acted irregularly and without credible evidence when it revoked Orwoba’s nomination.
“The decision by the UDA Committee was not supported by credible evidence and was arrived at in breach of procedural fairness. Honourable Gloria Orwoba was validly nominated, and her position cannot be taken away through irregular and arbitrary processes,” the panel stated.
The case had been filed by Orwoba, through lawyer Moses Mabeya, after UDA nullified her nomination citing alleged flaws in the party list process. Orwoba argued that the move was politically motivated and violated her rights.
The tribunal emphasized that political parties must strictly observe the Constitution, the Political Parties Act, and their own internal rules when handling nominations, warning that internal processes are subject to legal scrutiny if they lack fairness and transparency.
Speaking after the ruling, Orwoba welcomed the judgment as a victory for justice and accountability.
“I am grateful to the tribunal for upholding the law and protecting the rights of party members. This ruling is not just about me, but about ensuring that women leaders and all members are treated with dignity and respect,” she said.
Orwoba reaffirmed her commitment to serving Kenyans, especially youth and women:
“I remain committed to my duties as Senator, to representing the aspirations of young people, women, and ordinary Kenyans whose voices must be heard in Parliament.”
Legal experts described the ruling as a landmark decision that reinforces accountability in party politics. Constitutional lawyer Peter Mwangi said:
“This judgment sets an important precedent. It signals that if parties sidestep due process, the tribunal will not hesitate to intervene. It also reassures members that justice is possible when internal structures are abused.”
The tribunal ordered Orwoba’s immediate reinstatement as UDA’s validly nominated Senator and directed the party to respect its nomination list as submitted to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
The ruling was delivered by tribunal members Hon. Desma Nungo (Chairperson), Hon. Dr. Adelaide Mbithi, and Hon. Dr. James Atema, who underscored:
“The essence of democracy within political parties lies in transparent and lawful processes. Where fairness is abandoned, justice must intervene.”
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