PRESS STATEMENT: FIDA-Kenya Calls for Fair Treatment and Protection of Hon. Senator Gloria Orwoba’s Rights in the Senate.

Nairobi, 19th March 2025 – We, the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya), have closely followed the developments surrounding Senator Gloria Orwoba following her recent return to the Senate on March 18, 2025, after a 30-day suspension.

Senator Orwoba was expected to make an apology, and her attempt to tender an apology to the Senate was, however, declined by Speaker Hon. Amason Kingi, who termed it as her version and insisted that she read a predetermined apology prepared by the House, despite the matter being in court. Senator Orwoba thereafter expressed concerns that the prescribed apology was self-incriminating and undermined her right to a fair process, leading her to walk out of the chamber in tears.

We are deeply concerned that instead of fostering an environment that supports women in leadership, institutions such as the Senate are becoming punitive and unresponsive to gender-specific challenges that female leaders in Kenya face.

As a nominated leader and a woman in governance, Senator Orwoba’s case highlights the broader treatment of women in political spaces, which is often marred by discriminatory practices, harassment, and unfair treatment in leadership and governance – including other issues affecting women in political leadership.

FIDA-Kenya wish to emphasize that the Constitution of Kenya provides clear legal protections reinforcing the principles of equality, dignity, and access to justice for all individuals, including women. These include Article 27 – Equality and Freedom from Discrimination; Article 28 & Article 29 – Right to Human Dignity and Freedom from Inhumane Treatment; Article 47 – Right to Fair Administrative Action; Article 50 – Right to a Fair Hearing; and Article 48 – Access to Justice. FIDA-Kenya is committed to ensuring that no woman, regardless of her position.

We reaffirm our commitment to continue advocating for systemic changes that protect women in political spaces from intimidation and undue disciplinary actions.

We, therefore, wish to notify the Senate that;

• 1. Their unresponsiveness to Senator Orwoba requests not to self-incriminate due to an ongoing matter in court over the issue is unconstitutional. We remind the Senate that her human rights supersede such unfair resolutions and procedures.
• 2. FIDA-Kenya puts the Senate on notice that we are closely monitoring the parliamentary proceedings to ensure that due process is observed and that Senator Orwoba is accorded a fair and just process.

We urge other institutions, such as the National Assembly, County Assemblies, Government institutions, and independent entities, to uphold justice and ensure that women’s rights are protected without violating constitutional principles, as seen in the case of Senator Orwoba.

FIDA-Kenya reaffirms that it will take all necessary steps to ensure that Senator Orwoba, and any other woman in a similar position, is not subjected to inhumane, degrading, or discriminatory treatment. We will remain at the forefront of advocating for equal treatment of women in leadership, ensuring that they are not silenced, punished, or unfairly targeted for exercising their rights.

In conclusion, FIDA-Kenya strongly urges the Senate and all relevant stakeholders to uphold the rule of law, fairness, and justice in handling Senator Orwoba’s case. It is crucial that institutions do not become tools for oppression but rather uphold the values of democracy, gender equality, and human rights as enshrined in our Constitution. Women in leadership must not be subjected to unwarranted harassment or political retaliation. We call upon all women’s rights defenders, policymakers, and the public to stand in solidarity against any form of discrimination and to ensure that justice prevails in this matter.

END

Christine Kungu

FIDA-Kenya Chairperson

About FIDA-Kenya: The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) is a premier women’s rights organization committed to promoting, protecting, and realizing gender equality and justice in Kenya. For 40 years, we have championed women’s rights in leadership, governance, and all sectors of society, ensuring they are treated with dignity and fairness under the law.