There have been recent circulating rumors that former Gender Ministry CS from Kilifi County, Aisha Jumwa, is making a potential comeback to the Orange party. This follows her appearance at Homa Bay for Governor Gladys Wanga’s Thanksgiving ceremony.
Peter Kaluma, Homa Bay town MP, hinted this when he posted a picture of them together at the ceremony with a cryptic caption:
“Hon. Aisha Jumwa was also present at the ODM function. Something is cooking…”
Thanks to Raila
During the thanksgiving ceremony in Homa Bay, Jumwa referred to as Raila Odinga her political mentor. She didn’t mince her words as he lauded Raila’s strong political foundation on democracy and equity. She also expressed gratitude to Odinga following his gesture to extend an olive branch to President William Ruto which steered the country away from chaos.
“I want to thank Raila Odinga for prioritizing the country by joining President William Ruto in uniting the country. The country is now experiencing peace because of the cooperation between these two leaders,” she said.
She was however keen in spilling the beans. She responded in a manner that fueled the speculation about her return to ODM.
The former CS did not come out clearly though she did not dismiss such a scenario. She said, “Mnataka nirudi? Msichana akilelewa na babake hutafuta boma lake na mimi nimelelewa na mheshimiwa Raila kama babangu. Wakati nimekomaa nimetafuta boma langu. Na maisha inasonga mbele..”
Jumwa’s Political Career Highlights
Jumwa is an experienced political member as she has previously served as:
- Member of Parliament for Malindi Constituency, Kilifi County, from 2017 to 2022
- Commissioner of the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) from 2017 to 2022
- Woman Representative for Kilifi County from 2013 to 2017
- Councillor (now Member of County Assembly) for Takaungu Ward from 1997 to 2007
Ms Aisha Jumwa holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Leadership and Management from International Leadership University (ILU) and an Executive Diploma in Governance from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
Jumwa’s Defection to UDA from ODM
On 9 March 2018, former President Uhuru Kenyatta surprised the nation by entering a political pact with his longtime nemesis Raila Odinga. The event, famously known as “the handshake”, marked the beginning of political realignments that would affect the 2022 general election.
Jumwa was among the political leaders from Raila’s party who shifted their political allegiances and courted then DP William Ruto. Aisha accused Odinga of serving personal interests while sidelining his people.
Attempts by ODM to officially eject her from the party, and trigger a by-election, failed when The Political Parties Dispute Tribunal declared the proceedings invalid.
In 2022, she officially left ODM and joined the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), led by Ruto. She has since been a key player of UDA in the coastal region, where the party has gained popularity.
Jumwa’s 2027 Gubernatorial Bid
In 2022, she ran for Kilifi governor under UDA but lost to ODM’s Gideon Mung’aro. This was the first time she lost a seat after switching parties.
She campaigned tooth and nail for President Ruto who rewarded her with a powerful Cabinet position. The Gender, Culture, the Arts, and Heritage docket is a role she held for nearly two years.
We are yet to see what will come out of the scheming. Currently, she’s meeting people on the ground and launching developmental projects courtesy of different stakeholders.
