In a significant legal victory, Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba has secured court protection against disciplinary action by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) following her attendance at former Interior Cabinet secretary Fred Matiang’i’s homecoming event.
The ruling, delivered on May 15, 2025, by the High Court in Nairobi, restrains the party from taking punitive measures against Orwoba, pending a full hearing of the case.
The dispute arose after Orwoba, a vocal legislator known for her progressive stances, made a public appearance at Matiang’i’s homecoming ceremony in Nyamira County earlier this year. The event, which drew numerous leaders from across the political divide, was seen by some UDA officials as an act of defiance, given Matiang’i’s historical alignment with opposition factions.
Orwoba’s presence at the event prompted the party to initiate disciplinary proceedings against her, accusing her of undermining the party’s ideological position.
However, Orwoba challenged the disciplinary process in court, arguing that it infringed upon her constitutional rights to association, expression, and political participation. Her legal team submitted that the party’s actions were not only politically motivated but also lacked a fair and transparent basis.
Justice David Njoroge, in his ruling, noted that political parties must balance party discipline with the democratic freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution. “Pending determination of this matter, the UDA is hereby restrained from executing any disciplinary measures against the petitioner,” he said.
The court’s decision has sparked debate in political circles, with some analysts praising it as a reinforcement of individual freedoms within party politics. Others argue it could set a precedent that weakens party cohesion.
Orwoba, speaking after the ruling, reaffirmed her commitment to her party but emphasized that dialogue and tolerance must underpin Kenya’s democratic processes. “I remain a proud member of UDA, but I will not be intimidated for exercising my right to engage with leaders across the political spectrum,” she said.
As the case awaits further hearings, the judgment highlights ongoing tensions within political parties regarding loyalty, expression, and internal democracy issues that are becoming increasingly prominent in Kenya’s evolving political landscape.
