UDA to crack down on other ‘rebels’ after Orwoba expulsion, Cherargei says

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei says the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party will crack down on other “rebellious” members following this week’s expulsion of nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba.

Orwoba was expelled from President William Ruto’s party on Monday for gross misconduct and violating the party's constitution and code of conduct.

Cherargei, a vocal UDA member and fierce Ruto defender, says Orwoba was punished for “promoting another party’s ideals” and warned other members he called disloyal that UDA would “go after” them.

“Distinguish freedom of association from loyalty to a party; I am warning the likes of Nyutu and others who want to be rebels within UDA. The party will come after you,” Cherargei told Citizen TV’s Daybreak program on Thursday, referencing his Murang’a counterpart Joe Nyutu.

Nyutu has been openly critical of President Ruto and recently attended former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) launch. Gachagua was impeached last October after falling out with Ruto.

“Gloria failed after she began championing the interests of another party. Anyone who wants to dissent with their sponsoring parties should be very careful,” Cherargei said.

Leading up to Orwoba’s suspension, UDA criticised the nominated legislator for welcoming former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i – who has declared interest in the 2027 presidential race – back to Kenya at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on April 17.

She was also admonished for her appearance at Matiang’i’s homecoming fete at Gusii Stadium in Kisii County.

“She appeared before the UDA disciplinary saying she had to be there (Gusii Stadium) because Matiang’i is from her community. What sort of defence is that?” Cherargei said on Thursday.

“You can just run under an independent ticket if that is what you want.”

However, Orwoba has since obtained court orders suspending the implementation of UDA's disciplinary committee, in effect temporarily stopping her ouster.