Former nominated senator Gloria Orwoba has defended her bid for Kisii Woman Representative, citing integrity, accountability and inclusive leadership.
She criticised corruption and weak representation, pledging reforms focused on gender, youth and disability issues.
Orwoba also outlined a broader opposition agenda prioritising anti-corruption measures and institutional strengthening ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking on Friday during a Radio Generation interview, Orwoba dismissed questions over her political direction and instead emphasised her long-standing connection to Kisii, saying her calling has always been in Kisii and that local women had urged her to represent them.
She argued that many residents feel underserved by the current leadership, particularly on issues affecting women, youth and people with disabilities.
According to her, this dissatisfaction has created an opportunity to redefine the role through stronger advocacy and visibility.
“The women of Kisii want me to go and represent them,” she said, adding that constituents believe she is “in a better situation to be able to articulate their issues and push for gender matters, youth and disability matters.”
Orwoba criticised what she described as widespread underperformance among holders of the women representative office, arguing that many have failed to demonstrate its full mandate.
She said the position was created as an affirmative action role to ensure inclusivity in legislative processes, but has often been misunderstood.
“People often think that that seat is there for distribution of pads and bursary,” she said. “To be honest, they also don’t understand, and that is why a majority of the office holders have really underperformed.”
She added that some representatives have failed to actively participate in parliamentary debates, weakening the visibility and effectiveness of the role.
“Many women representatives have actually never spoken in the house,” she said, stressing the importance of “having that voice” in addressing key issues affecting marginalised groups.
Her campaign also aligns closely with opposition politics, particularly figures associated with what she described as the “United alternative government.”
Orwoba expressed strong support for Fred Matiangi, saying her political direction would follow his leadership regardless of party affiliation.
“For us, our political party is Matiangi,” she said. “Whichever party that he asks me to run on, that is where I will vie.”
Beyond local politics, she outlined a broader national agenda centred on tackling corruption, which she described as the most urgent issue facing Kenya.
She accused the current administration under President William Ruto of enabling widespread graft and failing to uphold accountability.
“Corruption is going to be the first thing that we want to deal with,” she said, warning that “people think it’s going to be business as usual. No.”
She claimed that members of the opposition coalition possess detailed knowledge of alleged corruption, including evidence and potential witnesses.
According to her, efforts are already underway to recover stolen public funds and strengthen institutions tasked with oversight.
“All that money has to be brought back to the exchequer,” she said. “Asset recovery is going to be very busy.”
