Azimio co-principle and the leader of the Narc Kenya party, Martha Karua, condemned the suspension of Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba from the Senate and Parliament.


PHOTO | COURTESY Martha Karua

Orwoba was suspended after the Senate's Powers and Privileges Committee adopted a report advocating the step after she refused to appear before it to defend herself against charges levied against her.

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Karua criticized Orwoba's suspension as "manifestly unfair and excessive" in a series of posts on her  X page, calling it an attempt by the Senate to suppress women who come forward to disclose incidences of sexual assault.

PHOTO | COURTESY Senator Orwoba


Manifestly unfair and excessive. @Senate_KE which is male dominated is telling women including women senators dare you complain of sexual harassment you shall exterminate you . A dismissal of the charges would have sufficed if at all the evidence fell short . This is patriarchy… https://t.co/etWHaIl3Lz

"This matters requires in-depth examination lest we forever shut up victims of sexual harassment @Senate_KE @NAssemblyK @parliamentkenya which is said to be on the rise" she added

She also took issue with the language used when the report was brought for debate in the House, and a majority vote upheld the decision to suspend Orwoba. 

PHOTO | COURTESY Martha Karua

"Whereas we ought to be careful not to punish the innocent, similarly we must be even more careful not to discourage reporting of sexual abuse or harassment. The senate has used a sledge hammer to kill a fly so to speak. Some of the language used during the debate was paternalistic, especially to young female senators offering then guidance, an assumption that they need guidance as a specific group. Totally unacceptable" added Karua