The Senate has revised its previous resolution to suspend Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba. The suspension period has been reduced from 79 days to 30 days.

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, who proposed the motion, stated that Orwoba’s 30-day suspension from the house was due to her demonstrated remorse and the belief that she had learned a lesson, warranting her return to the house.

Cheruiyot said that following the Communication made by Senate Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi on February 12 on the implementation of the resolution of the Senate on the Report of the Committee of Powers and Privileges on the conduct of Orwoba the, Senator should be allowed to the house on March 13 this year.

“The Senator is apologetic of her conduct pursuant to section 17(3)(d) and (g) of the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act, therefore the Senate resolves to vary its resolution suspending Senator Orwoba from the Senate and precincts of Parliament for 79 calendar days and reduces the suspension period to 30 calendar days,” said Cheruiyot.

 The Majority Leader said the Nominated Senator who started her suspension on February 12 this year shall be allowed back to the Senate and the precincts of Parliament on March 13 this year on the terms resolved by the Senate on  September 20, 2023.

Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo seconded the motion to reduce Orwoba’s suspension to 30 days noting that she had apologized to the house admitting her wrongdoing and that it was prudent to reduce her suspension period since she had learnt a lesson and will not likely repeat her mistakes.

“The standing orders do not have provisions on going back on matters approved in the house, I would like to know if the people affected by the conduct of Senator Orwoba have said anything about the matter before the House makes a resolution on the matter,” said Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.

Parliamentary Service Commission Vice Chairperson Joyce Korir appealed to fellow Senators to allow Orwoba to return to the House on March 13 by reducing her suspension to one month arguing that everyone makes mistakes in their work.

 Laikipia Senator John Kinyua said that it was important for those affected to state whether they had forgiven the Senator before the House went ahead to reduce the suspension period since they were equally affected by her conduct and that their input should not be ignored.

Migori Senator Eddie Oketch asked Orwoba to withdraw all the allegations made against the victims and that it was important to maintain the sanctity of the house since they are setting precedence over handling similar matters.

“It is worth noting that Senator Gloria Orwoba has written letters to the people affected by her utterances asking for forgiveness, she is required in the house to make her contribution it is only prudent for us to forgive her and allow back,” said Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja.

Orwoba apologized to the Senate as she began her suspension, addressing the House immediately after Senate Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi communicated the matter to the House on February 12th this year.

The nominated Senator told the house she regretted her actions and offered apologies to fellow Senators and members of staff who may have been offended by her misconduct stating that it was never her intention to appear like she was ridiculing the house.

“I would like to offer my apologies to the members of this house and the member of staff who I may have offended as I was pursuing whatever I was pursuing in terms of oversight if there is anyone and I know there are people who have come up to me that I offended them, please forgive me,” said Orwoba.