I'm upset and angered but unhinged - Orwoba

Nominated UDA Senator Gloria Orwoba. /GLORIA ORWOBA/FB

Besieged nominated UDA Senator Gloria Orwoba has in an apparent show of defiance, indicated that she's in for the longhaul as she fights to save her seat in the face of expulsion from the party and the Senate.

The High Court on Wednesday handed Orwoba a temporary reprieve by suspending a May 16, UDA party disciplinary committee's decision to expel her from the party, and  a May 21, gazette notice declaring her Senate seat vacant by dint of the committee's decision.

Justice Lawrence Mugambi of Milimani Law Courts suspended both actions pending hearing and determination of a petition Orwoba filed under a certificate of urgency on May 20.

Amid the ensuing legal battle, Orwoba insinuated that her probable ouster from UDA and the Senate is a decoy and a mere introduction to a bigger "war" that's being spearheaded by individuals she did'nt name, but said are close to the presidency.

In a series of Facebook posts, the outspoken lawmaker said she is upset by the turn of events, but remains unshaken in her resolve to stand by what she believes in.

She indicated that the ultimate goal of the determination to remove her from the UDA and Senate was to pave the way for a larger political battle.

"So, do not be confused by the noise...the point of this exercise is not to win the "battle", the point of this exercise is to introduce you to the "war" that will be won in the near future," she said.

"Also, for avoidance of doubt, yes, I'm upset and angered, but I'm unhinged and completely relieved because my teammates know that the bell has rung and time is up," Orwoba added.

She made reference to a meeting of leaders from Ukambani at State House, Nairobi.

"So don't ask me why they are so ruthless with me...The panic is real."

Orwoba's trouble started when she attended the homecoming events of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i at the JKIA and Gusii Stadium.

Matiang'i is a leading opposition leader and a 2027 presidential hopeful and is seen as an opponent to UDA party leader, President William Ruto.

During its May 19 meeting, the UDA National Executive Committee (NEC) adopted and ratified a May 16 decision of the disciplinary committee's decision to expel Orwoba from the party.

UDA said that while it upholds the values of freedom of expression and association as enshrined in the constitution, fidelity and loyalty to party ideals are fundamental.

Orwoba, the party said, "cannot continue to play for two political teams simultaneously" along with publicly criticising government policies.

In a press conference on May 16 outside the Hustler Plaza after presenting a court order stopping the hearing of a disciplinary action against her, Orwoba explained that coming from the same community as Matiang’i, attending his homecoming events should not be construed to mean she had ditched the party.

“I come from a community. We have social friends. How many people have you seen going to social events? Social events are bipartisan, a homecoming is bipartisan,” she said.

“By the way, Matiang’i is my relative as we speak,” Orwoba added.