The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) has overturned a decision by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to expel nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba, ruling that the process was fundamentally flawed and politically motivated.
In a detailed ruling delivered on Wednesday , the tribunal found that the UDA disciplinary committee acted in breach of natural justice and procedural fairness, effectively rendering the expulsion unlawful.
The PPDT concluded that Senator Orwoba was not accorded a fair hearing, nor was she provided with the necessary documentation to appeal the decision.
“The disciplinary process was clearly orchestrated to achieve a predetermined political outcome. The complainant was sidelined and denied her right to be heard,” said tribunal chairperson Desma Nungo.
She was joined on the bench by members Theresa Chepkwony and Abdirahman Adan Abdikadir, who delivered a unanimous decision declaring the expulsion null and void.
Ms Orwoba was expelled from the UDA on May 19, 2025, after being accused of contravening the party’s code of conduct.
According to the party, she had demonstrated disloyalty by attending the homecoming of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i and for remarks critical of President William Ruto’s labour mobility agenda.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, the tribunal found that the party failed to follow due process. Key among the procedural failings was the party’s refusal to provide Senator Orwoba with a written decision, which prevented her from mounting a proper appeal.
She was also allegedly misled into believing the disciplinary process had been paused due to an interim court order, only for the party to proceed and announce her removal.
During the hearing, UDA was unable to produce signed documents or a formal record of the disciplinary hearing.
In contrast, Ms Orwoba through lawyer Moses Mabeya presented audio recordings and transcriptions which appeared to show that the committee had acknowledged the existence of a court order halting proceedings, and yet continued regardless.
According to the PPDT, the expulsion proceedings not only violated basic principles of natural justice but also appeared to disregard a standing court order.
“This was a political operation disguised as a legal process. She was denied her right to prepare and present a defence,” said Ms Nungo.
The tribunal further ordered UDA to reverse any decisions made as a consequence of the expulsion, including moves to replace Senator Orwoba in the Senate.
It also prohibited the party from removing her name from its membership register based on the now-nullified disciplinary action.
Meanwhile, even as Ms Orwoba’s reinstatement was being declared by the tribunal, Ms Consolata Wabwire had already been sworn in to fill her Senate seat.
However, Ms Orwoba has swiftly moved to the High Court to challenge the legality of that replacement, arguing that the nomination was unconstitutional.
That petition is currently pending determination.
