Nairobi, Kenya – July 16, 2025

Gloria Orwoba Vows to Press On With Harassment Claims Despite KSh 10.5M Defamation Ruling

Former nominated senator Gloria Orwoba has declared her unwavering commitment to exposing what she describes as entrenched sexual exploitation within Kenya’s Parliament, even after being dealt a legal setback by the High Court. On July 15, the court ruled in favor of Senate Clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye, ordering Orwoba to pay KSh 10.5 million in damages for defamation over her earlier public allegations of harassment.

Orwoba, however, remains defiant, asserting that her claims of inappropriate conduct have never been properly investigated and alleging that she was punished for rejecting the Clerk’s advances. According to Orwoba, she was excluded from international trips and subjected to institutional retaliation as a result of her stance.

“This ruling will not silence me,” Orwoba said in a press statement. “I will continue to speak out, not just for myself but for every woman who has suffered in silence within these power structures.”

She has called on the public and investigative bodies to examine parliamentary travel logs, alleging that sexual favors have been exchanged for foreign trip appointments, and warning that a “culture of coercion and silence” pervades Parliament. Orwoba also accused unnamed senior figures within the ruling party of orchestrating a campaign to muzzle her activism.

Her announcement that she will appeal the defamation verdict and continue championing the rights of harassment survivors has reignited a polarizing national debate over misconduct in public office and the high personal cost of whistleblowing in Kenya’s political institutions.

Civil society organizations and gender rights advocates have expressed concern that the court ruling could discourage victims of sexual harassment from coming forward, especially in powerful government institutions. They are now calling for the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to initiate formal investigations into Orwoba’s claims.

As the legal and political ramifications of the case unfold, the controversy is underscoring the urgent need for greater transparency, protection for whistleblowers, and a credible mechanism for handling sexual harassment complaintswithin Parliament and other arms of government.