The Senate has decided to reduce the suspension of embattled nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba from 79 days to 30 calendar days. This move follows her expressed remorse and apology for her conduct, leading lawmakers to reconsider the length of her suspension.
Senators agreed to reduce the suspension, acknowledging that Orwoba had shown genuine remorse for her actions. Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot (Kericho) explained that the reduced suspension was granted based on the Senator’s acknowledgement of her mistakes and her apology.
“The Senator has expressed regret for her behaviour. Therefore, pursuant to the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act, the Senate resolves to revise its previous decision, reducing the suspension period for Senator Orwoba from 79 calendar days to 30 days,” Cheruiyot stated.
Orwoba, who began her suspension on February 12, will now be allowed to return to the Senate and the precincts of Parliament on March 13, 2025, as per the Senate’s resolution passed on September 20, 2023.
In seconding the motion, Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo (Kilifi) highlighted that Orwoba had apologised for her actions and had admitted her wrongdoing. He argued that reducing her suspension was a fair decision, as she had shown understanding of her mistake and was unlikely to repeat it.
Several Senators, including Julius Murgor (West Pokot), John Kinyua (Laikipia), Tabitha Keroche (Nakuru), and Joyce Korir (nominated), supported the motion, agreeing that a 30-day suspension would allow Orwoba sufficient time to reflect and learn from her actions. They urged her to demonstrate her remorse upon her return by treating colleagues and Senate staff with due respect and professionalism.
“I urge my fellow Senators to allow Orwoba’s return on March 13 with a reduced suspension. Everyone makes mistakes in their work,” said Korir, Vice Chair of the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC).
Kinyua, in his support for the reduced suspension, stressed the importance of ensuring those affected by Orwoba’s actions had the opportunity to express their forgiveness before the suspension was reduced.
“It’s crucial that the Senator seeks forgiveness from those she offended, as their input must be considered in the decision-making process,” Kinyua remarked.
Senator Karanja also informed the House that Orwoba had taken steps to apologise, writing letters to those affected by her remarks, asking for forgiveness.
“She is required in the House to make her contribution, and it is only fair for us to forgive her and allow her back,” said Karanja.
However, Minority Deputy Whip Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi) raised concerns about whether the parliamentary staff affected by Orwoba’s conduct had been consulted before the suspension was reduced.
“The Standing Orders don’t allow for revisiting decisions already made by the House. I’d like to know if the affected individuals have been consulted on this matter before the resolution is finalised,” Sifuna questioned.
Eddie Oketch (Migori) also called on Orwoba to retract any allegations made against those affected, emphasising the need to preserve the dignity of the Senate and set a proper precedent for handling similar issues in the future.
Orwoba had previously apologised to the Senate when she began her suspension, addressing the House after the Deputy Speaker, Kathuri Murungi, made a communication on the matter on February 12. She expressed regret for her actions and extended her apologies to fellow Senators and staff, acknowledging that it was never her intention to ridicule the Senate.
“I deeply regret my actions and offer my sincere apologies to anyone I may have offended, whether Senators or staff. It was never my intention to disrespect the House,” Orwoba stated during her address.
The Nominated Senator had also taken full responsibility for her actions, expressing hope that those she had offended would find it in their hearts to forgive her.
Orwoba’s original suspension followed a series of allegations made against her in September 2023, after she was found guilty of posting messages on the Senate Business WhatsApp group, accusing the Senate of discrimination and disrespecting her colleagues. The Powers and Privileges Committee, chaired by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, substantiated these charges, especially after Orwoba failed to appear before the committee to defend herself. As a result, the Senate suspended and revoked several privileges she held as a Senator.
