Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba has officially commenced her suspension from Parliament following her breach of the Parliamentary code of conduct. The suspension, which began on February 12, 2024, will last until May 1, 2025, effectively barring her from participating in House sittings during this period.
The Senate’s decision to suspend Orwoba came after a disciplinary review determined that she had failed to adhere to Parliamentary regulations. The move follows a ruling by the High Court, which granted the Senate the liberty to take appropriate action against her after she failed to respond to summons related to harassment allegations she had filed against the Senate and its Clerk.
Orwoba had previously claimed that she had been subjected to harassment at the behest of the Senate Clerk and other parliamentary officials in 2023. Among her grievances, she alleged that she had been denied travel opportunities, which she asserted were instead granted to select Senators. However, the Senate leadership countered her claims, arguing that Orwoba had violated the code of conduct by making several accusations on the Senate’s Business WhatsApp group and on her personal WhatsApp status, discussions that touched on official Senate matters.
The disciplinary proceedings against her date back to August 2023 when a Senate Committee attempted to hold a hearing with her regarding her complaints. However, Orwoba refused to participate, arguing that the proceedings were biased and prejudiced against her. She walked out of the session, further complicating her position within the House.
In a ruling, Justice Lawrence Mugambi stated that Orwoba’s failure to appear for hearings rendered her case indefensible. This ruling paved the way for the Senate to impose disciplinary measures, culminating in her suspension.
On Wednesday, during the Senate session, Orwoba issued a public apology for her misconduct. Addressing her colleagues, she expressed remorse, stating, “I hope those I have offended will find in their hearts to forgive me.” Despite her apology, the suspension remains in place and will continue until May 2025.
The suspension marks a significant period of political turbulence for Orwoba, who has been a vocal figure in Parliament. Her absence from legislative proceedings for over a year is expected to impact her political career and influence within the Senate. Whether she will regain favor upon her return remains to be seen.
