Nominated senator Gloria Orwaba, 36, appeared in the Senate earlier this week wearing a white suit with period stains.
She was on a mission to raise awareness about period poverty in a country where thousands of girls are affected.
However, she was expelled from parliament, and the events of that day polarized the country.
She explains what happened in the chambers and why in an exclusive interview with Saturday Magazine.
“I hadn’t noticed my stained suit as I stepped out of the car that afternoon. A senator, I assume, ran up to me, hugged me from behind, and begged me to return to the car.
“You have messed up your suit,” she said, mortified and quietly. “Oh my gosh, yeah, but don’t worry, I’ll manage,” I said. She quickly offered to get me something to cover up with, but I declined. I could feel her embarrassment more strongly.
There was a lot of media around because the Senate had resumed its second session after a long recess.
I believe she was concerned about my photos being taken and shared on the wild world of social media.
“My work has revolved around ICT, women, girls, and ending period poverty,” I thought to myself as I paused and considered the offer. I told myself that I could return home, but as an advocate for menstrual hygiene, I could continue with my business. You know, walk the talk. I entered.
The first legislator I met quickly took my hand in his and led me into a private room, announcing that he was a doctor. “What does a doctor have to do with menstruation?” I kept thinking.
In short, having a menstrual cycle in Kenya remains extremely stigmatized, even in 2023.I told him I needed to get to the chambers because the bell had already rung.
This encounter, coupled with my experience at the gate, increased my curiosity and sensitivity to the reactions of others.
Some quarters online, maybe disgusted by the thought of its sight were saying, “thankfully, it was a fake period stain mainly because of the color of the stain.” But, period blood can change depending on the day of your period. This was the first day of my menstruation cycle. I honestly don’t like trending. It’s overwhelming.
