Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa has announced her resignation from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Speaking during a press conference on Thursday, July 30, Jumwa said the decision followed deep reflection, prayer, and extensive consultations with the people she represents.
“After deep reflection, heartfelt prayer, and countless consultations with the people I serve, I have made one of the most difficult decisions of my political life. From today, Aisha Jumwa Karisa Katana is no longer a member of the United Democratic Alliance UDA,” she said.
Aisha Jumwa Joins a List of Politicians Resigning From Their Political Parties
In outlining her next steps, Jumwa said she would announce her next political move after concluding consultations, adding that she would make the declaration soon.
Jumwa claimed she had been humiliated and sidelined despite her support for President William Ruto. She alleged that she was turned away from State House during a visit by Coast leaders and said her attempts to reach the President went unanswered.
The former CS also claimed that the President no longer acknowledged her during visits to Kilifi.
Jumwa served in President William Ruto’s administration as the Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage before she was dropped from the Cabinet.
Also Read: High Court Declares Aisha Jumwa’s Appointment Unconstitutional
Her departure adds to a growing list of high-profile political defections and realignments as leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Among those who have recently shifted allegiance to the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) are Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha, who left the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) alongside several Members of the County Assembly, and Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, who also exited UDA to join the party led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Former Kieni MP and East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) member Kanini Kega has also aligned himself with DCP after leaving the Jubilee Party.
Meanwhile, Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula recently switched from the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) to UDA as he positions himself for the Kakamega governorship race.
Also Read: From Construction Worker to Ruto’s Cabinet, the Rise of Aisha Jumwa
Her Political Career
In her political career, Jumwa continued to enjoy President William Ruto’s public backing despite no longer serving in the Cabinet, as he reaffirmed his commitment to include her in his broad-based government.
“I want to tell the people of Kilifi, listen to me keenly. My sister Aisha Jumwa is there, and I want to assure you she will walk with me step by step in this government,” he said while speaking on July 26 during the laying of the foundation for the Watamu Market in Kilifi County.
“I cannot leave Aisha Jumwa because she is woman of strength. Isn’t she capable?” he added.
The President’s pledge followed Jumwa’s omission from the list of 20 Cabinet nominees, suggesting she was still expected to play a role in his administration despite her exclusion from the Cabinet.
In the 2022 General Election, Jumwa contested the Kilifi gubernatorial seat on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket but was unsuccessful. She finished second with 65,893 votes, behind the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)’s Gideon Mung’aro, who won the race with 143,773 votes.
Later that year, President William Ruto nominated her as the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Gender and Affirmative Action. She served in the role until July 11, 2024, when she was dismissed from the Cabinet.
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