by a teacher, as making her an activist around period poverty and addressing the taboo around menstruation. In 2023, she tabled a motion calling on the Ministry of Public Service, Gender and Affirmative Action to provide free sanitary products for all schools in Kenya. In addition, she has also requested that all schools be equipped with the correct equipment to dispose of feminine hygiene products. 2023 menstruation incident On 14 February 2023, Orwoba attended a plenary session at the Parliament Buildings wearing white trousers that were stained red in the groin area. During the session, Senator Tabitha Mutinda requested that the Speaker, Amason Kingi, make a ruling on whether Orwoba's presentation constituted a breach of the Senate's dress code. Kingi ultimately ruled that Orwoba needed to leave the chamber and return in clean clothes. Coincidentally, on the same day, in a separate incident, fellow Senator Karen Nyamu was asked to leave the chamber after wearing a sleeveless dress. Reception for Orwoba's actions have been mixed, and there has been a debate as to whether the incident was an accident or a publicity stunt. Mutinda called Orwoba's presentation "indecent" and accused her of not being a good role model for women and girls. Fellow Senator Enoch Wambua called Orwoba's actions "a shame to this house", while Senator Ledama ole Kinaon alleged that Orwoba had faked menstruating in order to make a political statement. Kingi reiterated that Orwoba had been asked to leave the chamber to give her an opportunity to change her clothes and not due to her being on her period. Some politicians and public figures praised Orwoba's actions. Johnson Sakaja, the governor of Nairobi City County, called Orwoba's actions "bold and provocative" and promised to promote having free sanitary pads available throughout Nairobi. Media personality Janet Mbugua praised Orwoba for "reviving" the period poverty movement in Kenya. Following the incident, Orwoba stated she had adhered to the Senate's dress code, and called the staining an "accident" and stating she used the opportunity to raise a point about period poverty as well as the stigma against menstruation in Kenyan society. Immediately following the incident, she made a visit to a school in Nairobi, where she distributed period products. Orwoba has since defended herself against accusations that she faked her period. Orwoba reported cyberbullying on Twitter following the incident. Personal life Orwoba has been married twice, and has three children. References