Former Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba has once again found herself at the centre of political controversy after clashing with Kitutu Chache MP Antony Kibagendi while defending President William Ruto over claims linking him to the arrest of Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o.
The heated exchange reignited debate over Orwoba’s political loyalties, with critics questioning her continued defence of President Ruto at a time when sections of the opposition have accused the government of targeting leaders from the Gusii region.
Speaking during a press briefing on December 5, 2023, Orwoba dismissed allegations that President Ruto had any involvement in the arrest of Nyakang’o, insisting that forces around the President were responsible for decisions that were creating anxiety within the community.
A former Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba during a past event. Photo: Gloria Orwoba Source: Facebook
“Whatever is happening is not any doing of the president and if you have noticed any time something is being cooked by those people who think they have powers around our party leader, they always wait for him to leave the country,” Orwoba stated.
Her remarks immediately drew a sharp response from Kitutu Chache MP Antony Kibagendi, who maintained that the President could not be separated from actions undertaken by his administration.
“You cannot defend the President. The President is involved, and he has been attacking our community. He knows we cannot allow that,” Kibagendi responded during the confrontation.
The disagreement became so intense that other leaders reportedly intervened before Kibagendi walked out, leaving Orwoba to continue addressing journalists.
Despite defending the Head of State, Orwoba also urged President Ruto to personally intervene, arguing that members of the Gusii community felt increasingly targeted following the arrest of Nyakang’o.
President William Ruto during US tour. Photo: William Ruto Source: Facebook
“The President has nothing to do with this, and as a matter of fact, I am here because I am also upset because it is a woman leader who is being removed, but the President has an interest in the Gusii community,” Orwoba said.
Her comments came shortly after officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations arrested Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o alongside ten other individuals.
Nyakang’o was later arraigned in court and charged with conspiracy to defraud, operating a Sacco without a permit, forgery and uttering a false document. She denied all charges and was released on a KSh500,000 cash bail.
The arrest triggered strong reactions from opposition leaders, including Raila Odinga, who described the case as politically motivated and vowed to support Nyakang’o as she pursued justice through the courts.
The incident highlighted the growing political tensions surrounding the arrest, while also placing Orwoba at the centre of a debate over whether her defence of President Ruto strengthens or weakens her standing among government critics.
