The names of Mason Greenwood and Benjamin Mendy, two former players of Manchester City and Manchester United respectively, cropped up during a Senate sitting discussing the suspension of nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba.
On Wednesday, September 20, Senate’s Power and Privileges Committee tabled a report recommending the suspension of Orwoba who was accused of making unsubstantiated sexual harassment claims and hence allowing senators to contribute.
Senators expressed their divergent stances over the recommendation to lock out Orowba from the house for six months.
In his submission, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna likened the case to that of Benjamin Mendy, the French Defender who was suspended from Manchester City after he was indicted for sexual harassment.
Sifuna went on to explain that his indictment plunged Mendy’s “bright future” into oblivion until more than two years when he was cleared from the case.
“Six years ago, there was a black French player who arrived in Manchester City as the most expensive defender at that time. Around November 2020, this gentle man was arraigned in court and charged on these allegations,” Sifuna explained.
“His career entirely stopped. His bright future in football was thrown into confusion. It was only in January this year that this football was cleared of these charges.”
As such, Sifuna reiterated the need to substantiate such allegations through concrete evidence. He noted that as much as one is allowed to make allegations, it was the responsibility of the accuser to prove the case.
“We are saying that immediately you pronounce that so and so is seeking sexual favors from you, you have a responsibility to substantiate those allegations.”
Khalwalwe mentions Greenwood
On his part, Kakamega Senator brought the case of Mason Greenwood, a Manchester United forward currently playing for Getafe in Spain, noting that unsubstantiated claims could cost the accused reputation.
Khalwale explained that Greenwood was forced to take a break from his career due to the allegations.
Also Read: Orwoba, Nyamu Kicked Out Senate for Indecent, Inappropriate Dress Codes
However, Khalwalwe explained that the player was recently allowed to reunite with his accuser and settled in as a family.
“Mason Greenwood, one of the most talented footballers was almost destroyed because of a mere allegation of sex,” Khalwale noted.
Orwoba defense
On her part, Senator Orwoba maintained that she was a victim of harassment from some quarters within the senate.
She explained an instance when she was forced to miss an official trip abroad where she was invited for anti-period shaming advocacy.
Additionally, Orwoba claimed that she was not the only female legislator facing the difficulties in the house.
Also Read: Nominated Senator Orwoba Contemplating Twitter Exit, Cites Bullies
According to her, there were other legislators facing the challenges but were unable to pursue justice.
She had accused a senior official in the Senate of demanding sexual favors, corruption and favoritism.
Consequently, the Senate adopted a recommendation by the Powers and Privileges Committee to suspend the lawmaker for six months.
“Senator Gloria Orwoba was given an opportunity to be heard by the Powers and Privileges Committee, but the Senator declined to participate in the inquiry therefore the committee could not substantiate the claims she made,” read part of the report.
