Gloria Orwoba’s removal from the Senate has marked a major turning point in her political journey, but the former nominated senator has continued to attract attention long after losing her seat.
What has stood out most in recent months is the growing belief among many political observers that Orwoba was operating as President William Ruto’s mole within the opposition, despite her frequent public disagreements with the ruling party and its leadership.
For a long time, Orwoba presented herself as a leader willing to challenge the government from within.
She often criticized certain policies and openly expressed views that differed from those of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Her actions led to accusations of disloyalty from the party and eventually resulted in her expulsion.
However, her recent statements have left many people questioning where her true political loyalties lie.
After losing her Senate seat, Orwoba surprised many Kenyans by publicly stating that President William Ruto should not be blamed for her removal.
This position caught many people off guard because UDA is led by the president, and major decisions within the party are widely believed to require his approval.
To many critics, her comments appeared to shield the president from responsibility at a time when she would have been expected to direct her frustration toward the party leadership.
This has strengthened claims from some quarters that Orwoba may have been serving political interests beyond what was visible to the public.
Many now view her as a figure who created confusion within opposition circles while maintaining a connection to the ruling establishment.
Her remarks have fueled debate about whether she was truly fighting the government or quietly protecting it when it mattered most.
Orwoba’s troubles began when UDA accused her of violating party rules through her association with opposition figures and her repeated criticism of government policies.
The party disciplinary process eventually led to her expulsion. Her removal became historic after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission gazetted her replacement, Consolata Nabwire, making Orwoba the first Kenyan legislator to lose a parliamentary seat following expulsion from a political party.
Despite the setback, Orwoba has refused to accept defeat. She has challenged the decision in court and has repeatedly insisted that she remains the rightful holder of the seat.
Her determination was evident when she attempted to access Parliament after her replacement had already been sworn in, a move that led to her arrest and further public attention.
At the same time, she is facing other challenges outside her political battle. A court ordered her to pay Senate Clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye Ksh 10.5 million in a defamation case after finding that allegations she made against him were false and damaging to his reputation.
The ruling added to the difficulties she is currently facing as she seeks to rebuild her political career.
However, the questions surrounding her political loyalties have not disappeared. Instead, her recent remarks have only deepened speculation among many Kenyans who believe she may have played the role of a political mole while presenting herself as an ally of the opposition.
Gloria Orwoba remains one of the most controversial figures in Kenya’s political landscape. Whether she eventually returns to public office or not, the discussion about her role in national politics and her relationship with both the opposition and President Ruto is likely to continue for a long time.
