Gloria Orwoba is a prominent Kenyan politician, women’s rights advocate, and former nominated Senator known for her bold stance on period poverty, youth empowerment, and social equality. She started from humble beginnings to become a vocal figure in Kenya’s political landscape, often sparking national conversations through her activism and controversies. Despite facing expulsion from her party and legal battles, Orwoba continues to push for systemic change, making her a symbol of resilience for many Kenyan women and youth. This comprehensive biography explores her life, career, achievements, and the challenges she’s encountered along the way.
Gloria Orwoba’s Early Life
Gloria Orwoba was born on May 25, 1986, in Kisii County, Kenya, though she was raised in Nairobi by her single father, a civil servant originally from Kisii. Growing up near the Yaya Centre in the Hurlingham neighborhood, she was one of four sisters in a household that emphasized education and self-reliance. Her father’s influence was profound; Orwoba often credits his teachings for shaping her disciplined approach to life and leadership.
For her primary education, Orwoba attended State House Primary School, followed by St. George’s Girls’ Secondary School in Kilimani, where she completed her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). She pursued higher education at the University of Nairobi, earning a diploma in Architecture and a degree in Social Work. As of recent reports, she is pursuing a degree in Leadership and Management, reflecting her commitment to continuous personal development.
Professional Career Before Politics
Before venturing in political, Orwoba built a robust professional background in facilities and project management. With over 15 years of experience, including more than a decade in facilities management, she has demonstrated expertise in managing international teams and operations. In 2015, she relocated to Sweden with her family and took on a high-profile role managing Facebook’s data center in Denmark—a plum job that highlighted her technical and leadership skills.
Orwoba briefly returned to Kenya in 2017 but moved back permanently in 2019. During this period, she served as Country Coordinator for the Global Parliament Youth session in 2020 and as Country Manager for Rangi Yetu. She also held the position of Director of Partnerships and Fundraising for the John Agyekum Kufuor Foundation, where she focused on youth and women empowerment programs. Orwoba is bilingual in English and Swahili, which has aided her in bridging cultural and professional gaps.
Gloria Orwoba’s Entry into Politics
Orwoba’s political journey began in earnest in 2017 when she unsuccessfully ran for the Kisii County Executive position for Youth. Undeterred, she returned in 2019 with plans to contest the Bobasi Constituency seat under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) banner but lost the primaries to a male candidate, whom she accused of corruption. She threw her support behind William Ruto’s 2022 presidential campaign, praising his focus on inclusion and empowerment.
In recognition of her efforts, Orwoba was nominated to the Senate in 2022 to represent women, in line with Kenya’s constitutional provisions for gender representation. As a Senator, she became a fierce advocate for women’s issues, particularly menstrual health. In 2023, she tabled a motion urging the Ministry of Public Service, Gender, and Affirmative Action to provide free sanitary products in all schools and improve disposal facilities. Her advocacy led to a significant budget increase for sanitary products from Ksh 260 million to Ksh 940 million in the 2023/2024 fiscal year.
Major Controversies
Orwoba’s career has not been without controversy, often stemming from her outspoken nature. On February 14, 2023, she attended a Senate session with stained white trousers, which she described as an “accident” to highlight period poverty and stigma. The incident drew mixed reactions: praise from figures like Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja for reviving the period poverty movement, but criticism from senators like Tabitha Mutinda and Enoch Wambua, who called it “indecent” and accused her of faking it for publicity. She faced cyberbullying but used the moment to distribute pads at a Nairobi school.
In 2023, Orwoba was suspended for six months after alleging sexual harassment by Senate Clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye, claiming she was denied trips and opportunities for rejecting his advances. The Senate deemed her claims unsubstantiated, leading to a defamation lawsuit. In July 2025, a court ordered her to pay Ksh 10.5 million in damages and issue a public apology. She refused a “self-incriminating” prescribed apology in March 2025, walking out of the Senate and forgoing her salary. As of August 2025, she hadn’t received her salary for over five months.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Orwoba is a mother of three children and maintains a private family life. Her philanthropic work extends beyond politics, focusing on grassroots change through programs like Uji Ya Glo and Glo’s Pad Bank. She describes herself as a community worker dedicated to empowering women and youth, drawing from over a decade of volunteer experience with local NGOs.
As a Senator, her estimated salary was around Ksh 1 million monthly, supplemented by business initiatives, though her net worth remains undisclosed.
Legacy and Future Plans
Gloria Orwoba’s legacy is one of bold advocacy, challenging patriarchal norms and amplifying marginalized voices. Despite setbacks, she plans to contest the Bobasi seat in 2027 and expand her initiatives nationally. Her story inspires many, proving that one person’s determination can spark widespread change in Kenya’s fight for gender equality.
Whether admired for her activism or critiqued for her methods, Gloria Orwoba remains a pivotal figure in Kenyan politics.
