By Ongaga Ongaga
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has gazetted Consolata Nabwire Wakwabubi as the new United Democratic Alliance (UDA) nominated senator, replacing Gloria Orwoba.
This follows Orwoba’s expulsion from the ruling party.
In a Gazette Notice dated August 15, 2025, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon confirmed the change, citing Section 37 of the Elections Act and Article 90 of the Constitution, which mandate that party-list seats be filled by the next eligible candidate when a vacancy arises due to expulsion or resignation.
Orwoba’s removal stems from a months-long disciplinary process within UDA, triggered by her public support for opposition figure Fred Matiang’i and criticism of government policies.
The party’s National Executive Committee ratified her expulsion in May, and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi subsequently declared her seat vacant.
Despite Orwoba’s legal challenge to block the move, the High Court dismissed her petition, clearing the way for IEBC to act.
Justice Lawrence Mugambi ruled that her application was procedurally flawed and lacked merit.
Consolata Wakwabubi, a grassroots mobilizer from Bungoma County, was listed on UDA’s original 2022 nomination list.
Her appointment is expected to reinforce UDA’s influence in the Senate, especially as the party gears up for the 2027 General Election.
This transition comes amid broader reforms at IEBC, which recently welcomed a new leadership team after a prolonged vacancy.
The commission faces mounting pressure to restore public trust and prepare for upcoming by-elections and boundary reviews.
Recently, Parliament passed the Election Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2024, introducing stiff penalties—including fines of up to Ksh.2 million—for IEBC officials who delay or tamper with election results.
