On April 18, 2025, Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba sparked speculations on various social media platforms after she was captured at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) late at night receiving former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
Accompanied by other lawmakers, Orwoba warmly welcomed Matiang’i back to the country and later shared a word with the former super CS.
The photo went viral with several people questioning Orwoba’s loyalty since she was nominated by the Kenya Kwanza Coalition to the Senate.
Speaking on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, Orwoba came out clean to explain the circumstances surrounding the viral photo and her future plans.
The nominated senator told a local radio station that she was called and asked to join the welcoming committee. Without mentioning the person who called her, Orwoba honoured the invite.
“I went to the airport to welcome a leader from my region because I do come from somewhere, and we should appreciate diversity. Actually, we were called and told Matiang’i is coming, and we are reaching out for the leaders from that region who would like to be part of the welcoming committee,” Orwoba told a local radio station.
What’s her future
However, according to Orwoba, her presence was intentional to send a message regarding her future. The Kenya Kwanza nominated senator firmly detailed that she was open to working with any leaders committed to advancing the women’s agenda in the country.
She lamented over being ignored while raising pertinent issues, including Linda Mama, femicide, and women lacking sanitary towels.
Without mincing her words, Orwoba reiterated that she was out looking for leaders who would invest in her ideas aimed at empowering women in the country.
“I know guys were like you have made a statement, what statement? The statement I was making was that at this point, I am willing to look for anyone who can see the passion that I have in terms of executing women’s empowerment.
“I am saying women are being killed, you are not listening, I am saying we have not given sanitary pads, Linda Mama does not work because I have been to Pumwani and Mama Lucy. I am shouting because those are the things that you saw me for and Said, Gloria, you can be a good ambassador for our manifesto that touches on women, and I have been running up and down telling you this is what we can do and you people are not seeing me,” Orwoba stated.
“So I am out to look for anyone who is willing to bring sanitary pads to all school girls for free, in ending femicides and ensuring that maternal health care is dealt with. Gloria Orwoba is looking for where it is gonna work for the women of Kenya,” she added.
Orwoba, who was recently re-admitted to the senate after serving her suspension, did not immediately explain if she was going to work with Matiang’i ahead of the 2027 general election.