Blow to Senator Orwoba as court dismisses bid challenging UDA expulsion

The High Court in Nairobi has dismissed an application by Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba challenging her expulsion from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.

Justice Lawrence Mugambi ruled that the application was incompetent, citing procedural irregularities.

In his decision dated May 20, 2025, Justice Mugambi noted that Orwoba had introduced new parties to the case who were not part of the original petition, and had done so without first seeking the court’s permission to amend her petition—a requirement under procedural law.

With that misstep, the court found the application fatally flawed and promptly rejected it. “The application is incompetent and is rejected,” reads the ruling in part. The court also directed that previous directions in the matter would remain in force.

Orwoba had moved to court under a certificate of urgency dated May 19, 2025, seeking redress over her ouster from the ruling party. However, her bid was clipped on the procedural front before the substance of the case could be considered.

The President William Ruto-led party expelled the Nominated Senator for gross misconduct and violating its constitution and code of conduct.

UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar said in a press statement on Monday that the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) unanimously approved the expulsion in response to the Disciplinary Committee's recommendations. 

Senator Orwoba was found guilty of several counts of misconduct, including making public statements that harmed the party's image and repeatedly failing to respond to disciplinary charges.

Among the key issues raised against Senator Orwoba was her refusal to respond to multiple invitations from the Disciplinary Committee, instead choosing to communicate through her legal representatives. 

The party stated that, despite having ample opportunity to present her defense, she declined to appear in person, undermining internal dispute resolution mechanisms.