The controversy stemmed from Thangwa’s remarks on a viral moment during ODM’s 20th anniversary dinner in Mombasa, where President William Ruto was seen handing Oburu a piece of cake.
Video footage showed Oburu removing part of the cake from his mouth, an action Thangwa referenced in a speech, sparking outrage among his colleagues.
During a motion on the Social Health Authority’s performance, Thangwa linked the cake incident to broader concerns about governance, saying it symbolized that “nobody is safe in this country.”
His remarks were immediately challenged by Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, who defended Oburu as a respected and experienced lawmaker, insisting that Thangwa should retract his statement.
Oketch highlighted that discussing an absent member without a substantive motion was against Senate rules.
Thangwa initially hesitated but eventually apologized, stating, “I withdraw and apologise.”
Despite this, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei argued that the delay in compliance warranted stricter action, citing Senate standing orders on disorderly conduct.
The Speaker ruled that the apology was insufficient in light of the disruption, leading to Thangwa’s ejection from the chamber.
The incident comes amid heightened political sensitivity as ODM continues to celebrate its two decades of existence. Observers note that the viral cake moment, intended as a light-hearted gesture between political figures, has now been politicized, reflecting the intensity of Kenya’s current political climate.
