Senator Orwoba Reignites Storm with Explosive Sexual Harassment Allegations, Vows to Keep Fighting Despite Suspension and Defamation Fine
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Nairobi — Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba has once again thrust the issue of sexual harassment in Kenya’s corridors of power into the national spotlight, renewing grave accusations against top parliamentary officials even as she faces suspension and a hefty defamation penalty.
In an emotional press briefing, Orwoba directly accused Senate Clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye of making persistent and unwelcome sexual advances — claims she alleges triggered a concerted effort to sideline her legislatively after she rejected them.
“I came to realize that my work was being deliberately frustrated,” she told journalists. “When I connected the dots, it became clear that it was because I declined the sexual advances of the Clerk.”
According to the senator, the harassment began over two years ago, culminating in a speech she delivered on the Senate floor, where she initially raised concerns over inappropriate conduct. The fallout, she says, was swift and punitive.
“Two motions were introduced to suspend me — one failed when I was present to defend myself; the second passed while I was attending the Clinton Global Initiative in New York. I was never given a fair hearing,” she said.
Orwoba says her suspension was not only procedurally flawed but retaliatory in nature, designed to punish her for “speaking out about a culture where women are pressured to trade sexual favours for political or legislative support.”
Following her removal, Orwoba alleges she was pressured to sign an apology — not for reconciliation but, she claims, to be used as legal ammunition by the Clerk to discredit her.
“The apology was to serve as court evidence that my claims were false. My legal counsel advised against it, and I stood my ground,” she said.
The matter has since landed in court, where Orwoba was found guilty of defamation and fined KES 10 million — a ruling she says she is appealing.
“I respect the courts, but I strongly disagree with the judgment. This ruling is meant to send a chilling message to other women — to silence them before they speak,” she said defiantly.
The Senator did not spare the Parliamentary Service Commission, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, accusing it of institutional apathy.
“I submitted a formal request for an investigation. No action was taken. Any credible workplace would investigate such serious allegations. None has happened to date,” she said.
Orwoba also raised broader concerns about systemic discrimination against female lawmakers, especially surrounding foreign travel approvals.
“I challenge journalists to follow the trail — who gets travel approvals, who doesn’t, and what the criteria are. Ask why some agendas breeze through Parliament while others are buried,” she said.
Despite her suspension, frozen salary, and multiple legal battles, Senator Orwoba says she remains undeterred.
“What I’m facing is only a fraction of what many women in Parliament endure. They are bullied, harassed, and silenced. My fight is not just personal — it’s part of a wider struggle,” she said, drawing inspiration from the late environmentalist and Nobel Laureate Prof. Wangari Maathai.
“If they thought this would break me, they were wrong. The only thing that will stop me is death. And if I die, let it be remembered that it was because I dared to speak,” she said.
Neither Clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye nor the Parliamentary Service Commission has issued a public statement in response to the latest allegations.
