Orwoba’s U-Turn: Why I Now Regret Impeaching Gachagua

Embattled nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba has made a surprising admission: she now regrets her role in the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Speaking during a recent interview, Orwoba candidly reflected on the decision that contributed to Gachagua’s removal from office. “I do, I regret it,” she said when asked whether she would make the same choice again.

Her comments mark a dramatic reversal from her earlier position, where she had firmly supported the impeachment motion. Orwoba explained that she had misinterpreted one of the key charges among the 11 that were brought against Gachagua.

She pointed out that, although the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader faced 11 counts in total, most lacked adequate evidence and were not properly substantiated in the Senate.

“I said the only thing—out of the 11 counts—that had been substantiated was when Gachagua had a movement in his community that was misinterpreted by Kenyans, particularly the ‘usiguze mlima’ remark,” she said. “I was one of the people who misinterpreted it. That was the only count I impeached him on.”

Orwoba’s reversal comes amid her own political turmoil. She recently lost her Senate seat after Speaker Amason Jeffah Kingi officially declared her position vacant. However, she secured a court order staying her expulsion from the UDA party and her removal as senator.

In a Gazette Notice dated May 21, 2025, Speaker Kingi announced the vacancy, citing Article 101(2) of the Constitution, following the invocation of Article 98(1)(b), which pertains to members elected to represent special interests.

“It is notified for the general information of the public that pursuant to Article 101(2) of the Constitution of Kenya, a seat of the Member of the Senate elected under Article 98(1)(b), held by Senator Gloria Orwoba, has become vacant with effect from the 21st May, 2025,” the notice read.

With her political future in question and a public admission of regret, Orwoba’s statement adds a new twist to the Gachagua impeachment saga—and may influence how history views the controversial decision.

Article By Suzy Nyongesa.