The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has formally gazetted Consolata Nabwire Wakwabubi as a nominated senator under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), replacing Gloria Orwoba, who was expelled from the party May this year.

In a gazette notice dated August 15, 2025, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon confirmed Wakwabubi’s appointment. She hails from Kimilili in Bungoma County and had been listed on UDA’s 2022 party nomination list. The move comes after a protracted tussle between Orwoba and her party, which culminated in a High Court ruling that dismissed her petition challenging the expulsion.

Orwoba’s troubles with the ruling party began when she openly associated with opposition rallies, prompting warnings from UDA officials. Matters escalated in May 2025, when the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) unanimously ratified her expulsion following recommendations from its Disciplinary Committee.

Orwoba expelled over misconduct

UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar announced at the time that Orwoba had been found guilty of gross misconduct, violating the party constitution, and tarnishing its public image. According to Omar, the disciplinary report revealed that Orwoba consistently ignored summons from the committee, opting instead to channel responses through her lawyers. This refusal to appear in person, the party argued, undermined internal dispute resolution mechanisms.

“After a comprehensive review of the Disciplinary Committee’s report and in line with Article 29 of the UDA Constitution, the NEC found Senator Orwoba’s actions incompatible with the values and objectives of the party,” Omar stated on May 19, 2025.

The expulsion was subsequently communicated to the Registrar of Political Parties and the Speaker of the Senate, paving the way for her removal. Orwoba, however, moved to court in a bid to overturn the decision. Justice Lawrence Mugambi dismissed her case on August 13.

With the court ruling and the gazettement, Consolata Nabwire now assumes her role in the Senate, marking the end of Orwoba’s turbulent tenure.