Nominated Senator Gloria Magoma Orwoba has been reinstated to her position by the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT), following a ruling that declared her nomination by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) valid. The decision, delivered in Nairobi on Thursday, ends weeks of uncertainty over her status and restores her position in the Senate.
The case was brought before the tribunal after the UDA Electoral Nomination and Dispute Resolution Committee raised objections to Orwoba’s nomination, citing internal disputes within the party. However, after hearing arguments from both sides, the tribunal concluded that the process leading to her nomination was lawful and that there were no sufficient grounds to overturn it.
Orwoba was represented by lawyer Moses Mabeya, who strongly argued that her client had been unfairly targeted through internal party disputes. “This is not just a victory for Senator Orwoba,” Mr. Mabeya told reporters outside the tribunal, “it is a victory for the principles of fairness and justice in political representation. The tribunal has affirmed that political parties must respect due process and the law.”
During the hearing, the complainant had insisted that procedural errors were made during the UDA nomination process, but Mabeya maintained that the nomination had met all legal and constitutional requirements. In its judgment, the tribunal agreed with Mabeya’s submissions, noting that no evidence had been produced to demonstrate that the nomination was fundamentally flawed.
In her reaction, Senator Orwoba welcomed the ruling and expressed gratitude to her legal team and supporters. “I am humbled by today’s decision,” she said. “This ruling not only restores my position but also upholds the confidence of many women and young people who look to institutions for justice. I will continue serving diligently in my role as a nominated Senator under the UDA Party.”
The tribunal’s ruling carries significance beyond Orwoba’s case, as it underscores the role of independent judicial bodies in resolving internal party disputes. Observers noted that the decision sends a clear message to political parties about the importance of following transparent procedures in their internal processes.
Another key point in the tribunal’s judgment was the emphasis placed on the right of nominees to enjoy the benefits of their positions once lawfully conferred. The judges stated that disputes based on party disagreements, without demonstrable breaches of law, could not stand as grounds for disqualification.
A supporter who attended the session expressed relief at the outcome, saying the ruling restored faith in the dispute resolution process. “For us, this shows that even when political battles get messy, there is still a place where justice can be found. It’s a good day for democracy,” the supporter said.
Lawyer Mabeya further observed that the ruling serves as an important precedent for future disputes. “The tribunal has clarified that candidates cannot be unfairly stripped of their positions through internal disagreements. Due process must always come first,” he added.
The judgment, read in open court, was delivered by a panel of three tribunal members: Desma Nungo (Chairperson), Dr. Adelaide Mbithi, and Mr. Hassan Abdi. In their joint statement, they concluded: “Having carefully considered the arguments and evidence presented, we find that the nomination of Hon. Gloria Magoma Orwoba by the UDA Party was validly conducted. The complaint does not establish sufficient legal grounds to nullify her nomination. Accordingly, she is hereby reinstated as a nominated Senator.”
The decision marks the end of this particular legal contest, though it remains to be seen whether any further appeals will follow. For now, Senator Orwoba resumes her position in the Senate, her nomination having been legally affirmed.
