In a surprising revelation that has sparked widespread discussion, former nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba disclosed on July 16, 2025, why President William Ruto pinched her during a June 26, 2025, press conference in front of live cameras, describing it as a playful exchange rooted in a prior disagreement.
Speaking on the Iko Nini podcast, Orwoba explained that the pinch was a lighthearted disciplinary gesture after she challenged Ruto’s allies in a Senate WhatsApp group, fueling social media buzz on social platforms, where posts amplified the viral moment.
The incident between Senator Gloria Orwoba and President William Ruto has become a focal point of Kenyan political discourse, with the viral Ruto-Orwoba pinch moment capturing attention across social media. During a June 26, 2025, press conference, Ruto was seen pinching Orwoba’s cheek in front of live cameras, a gesture that initially puzzled viewers.
On the Iko Nini podcast, Orwoba clarified that the pinch stemmed from a “little exchange” over her outspoken criticism of Ruto’s allies in a Senate WhatsApp group, where she accused them of undermining her legislative efforts.
She framed the pinch as a playful reprimand, stating, “It was like a big brother correcting me,” though the moment has sparked varied interpretations.
Orwoba’s revelation comes amid a tumultuous period for the former senator, who was expelled from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in May 2025 for alleged disloyalty and advancing rival agendas.
The UDA, led by President Ruto, accused her of breaching party ideals, a claim she has contested. A recent court ruling halted her expulsion, allowing Orwoba to retain her Senate seat temporarily.
However, her legal battles intensified with a July 15, 2025, Milimani Commercial Court decision ordering her to pay KSh 10.5 million for defaming Senate Clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye with unproven sexual harassment allegations. Orwoba has vowed to appeal, maintaining her accusations and calling for transparency in Senate operations.
The Ruto-Orwoba exchange has ignited debates about decorum in Kenyan politics, particularly given the public nature of the pinch.
Fans described the incident as a “brief chat” that turned playful, while
others suggested it was a disciplinary act tied to Orwoba’s defiance in the WhatsApp group. Some users praised her for addressing the moment candidly, noting her ability to “defend herself” humorously.
Others, however, questioned the appropriateness of Ruto’s gesture, with others calling it “unprofessional for a head of state,” reflecting mixed public sentiment.
Orwoba’s outspoken nature has made her a polarising figure. Known for advocating social media regulation to curb cyberbullying and protect minors, she has also exposed lavish parliamentary perks, such as KSh 160,000 daily travel allowances, drawing both support and criticism.
Her recent comments about being labeled a “threat” as a strong woman in politics resonate with her narrative of fighting systemic issues, including alleged sexual exploitation in the Senate.
These stances have fueled her ongoing feud with Ruto’s allies, which she claims prompted the pinch as a symbolic gesture.
President Ruto, facing mounting public discontent, has been under scrutiny for his handling of protests and controversial policies.
His administration’s response to nationwide unrest, including orders to shoot looters in the leg, has drawn criticism from opposition leaders like Rigathi Gachagua, who deny plotting to overthrow him.
The pinch incident, while seemingly minor, adds to the narrative of Ruto’s polarising leadership style, with some people speculating it reflects his attempt to assert authority in a lighthearted yet public manner.
For those seeking Senator Orwoba’s latest news, the pinch incident underscores her resilience amid personal and political challenges. Her legal fight against the defamation ruling and her call for Senate travel report transparency continue to dominate headlines.
On social media, fans and critics alike debate her role as a whistleblower, with one post stating, “Gloria Orwoba is fearless, but she’s paying a price for it.”
The viral exchange with Ruto has also sparked memes and discussions about gender dynamics in Kenyan politics, with Orwoba herself noting the double standards faced by women in the field.
As Orwoba prepares to appeal the defamation ruling, the Ruto-Orwoba pinch moment remains a talking point, symbolising the complex interplay of power, humour, and politics in Kenya. With her legislative agenda stalled and her Senate status uncertain, Orwoba’s candidness about the incident has kept her in the spotlight.
