‘I Regret Impeaching Gachagua,’ Gloria Orwoba Says‬

Former UDA legislator admits she misinterpreted “Usiguze Mlima” movement, acknowledges ex-DP has become unifying figure

Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba has publicly expressed regret over her decision to vote for the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in October 2024, citing a misinterpretation of the political circumstances that influenced her judgment.

In an interview on Thursday, Orwoba revealed that her support for Gachagua’s removal was primarily driven by her misunderstanding of the “Usiguze Murima” slogan, which she now admits to having interpreted incorrectly.

“The only thing that could be substantiated was that Rigathi Gachagua had a movement coming from his community that was misinterpreted by Kenyans, and the Usiguze Mlima movement – I was one of the people who misinterpreted it,” Orwoba acknowledged.

The senator explained that during the impeachment proceedings, she had questioned the motion’s sponsors for failing to adequately substantiate the eleven charges leveled against Gachagua.

Of all the accusations, she said only one appeared to have merit – the perception that Gachagua was promoting divisive tribal politics through his community-based movement.

“When I was impeaching, I was one of the guys saying you bring 11 counts, yet you can’t substantiate any of it, even 9. It is in my speech during the impeachment,” Orwoba stated, defending her initial scrutiny of the charges.

However, she admitted that the fear and divisiveness she perceived in Gachagua’s movement at the time led her to view him as a tribal leader, ultimately pushing her to support his removal based on that single count.

Orwoba’s regret stems from what she now sees as Gachagua’s transformation into a unifying political figure. She praised the former Deputy President’s evolution, noting that despite initial perceptions of divisive politics, he has emerged as someone who brings Kenyans together.

“The same Rigathi Gachagua, despite starting off at a point of what was perceived as divisive politics, has actually become the person who has united Kenyans,” she observed.

When pressed about potential future political collaboration with Gachagua, Orwoba remained non-committal, stating only that she would align herself with movements that prioritize Kenyan interests and women’s rights.

Orwoba’s admission comes just days after her expulsion from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) on May 19, 2025.

The party’s disciplinary committee, with approval from the National Executive Committee, removed her over allegations of disloyalty and violations of the party’s code of conduct.

Her troubles with UDA stemmed primarily from her association with former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, who is positioning himself for the 2027 presidential race as an opposition figure.

The party cited her presence at Matiang’i’s airport reception and homecoming events, as well as her criticism of President William Ruto’s labor mobility program, as evidence of her disloyalty.

The senator’s change of heart regarding Gachagua’s impeachment adds another layer to Kenya’s evolving political landscape, particularly as various leaders reassess their positions ahead of the 2027 elections.