Aisha Jumwa, a prominent politician, has established herself as a significant force in the political arena, particularly in her home region of Kilifi.
Born in 1975 in the coast, she faced early educational challenges, dropping out of Ganze Secondary School due to financial constraints.
It was also during this time that she gave birth to her first child before going back to school to finish her studies.
However, despite these setbacks, she persevered and eventually earned a degree in Commerce from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, alongside a Certificate in County Governance.
Before entering politics, Jumwa worked in a construction company in Kilifi, where she gained valuable experience.
Start of Her Political Career
Her political career began in 1997 when she was elected as a councilor for Takaungu Ward, representing the Kenya African National Union (KANU).
In past interviews, Jumwa revealed that her strong political ambition was what led to her separation with her first husband who was opposed to her involvement in politics.
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Reportedly, she personally returned the cows and goats her parents had received as dowry after her husband gave her an ultimatum for her to abandon politics and just focus on being a housewife.
However, despite all this, she quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the chairperson of the Kilifi Town Council and winning the re-election in 2002.
In 2013, Jumwa made history by becoming the first Kilifi County Woman Representative, securing her position on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket.
Her tenure was marked by active participation in the Departmental Committee on Environment and Natural Resources from 2013 to 2017.
In 2017, she transitioned to the national stage as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Malindi, where she served as a commissioner in the Parliamentary Service Commission.
Controversies Aisha Jumwa has been involved in
Despite her political successes, Jumwa’s career has not been without controversy.
In 2019, she faced serious allegations, including involvement in a murder case, where she was accused of being connected to the death of an ODM supporter identified as Ngumbao Jola, who was fatally shot during a by-election campaign.
Additionally, she was implicated in a corruption case involving a fraudulent transaction of Ksh19 million from Malindi’s Constituency Development Fund (CDF) funds, although these charges were later dropped due to a lack of evidence.
In the 2022 General election, Aisha Jumwa unsuccessfully ran for governor of Kilifi County on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.
However, she came second with 65,893 votes, losing to ODM candidate Gideon Mung’aro who garnered 143,773 votes.
In the same year, she was nominated by President William Ruto for a Cabinet Secretary position in the Ministry of Public Service, Gender & Affirmative Action, where she served till her dismissal on 11 July 2024.
Ruto Promises Aisha Jumwa a Position in His Government
In the recent political landscape, Jumwa was initially overlooked for a Cabinet position in President William Ruto’s formation of a new and inclusive government.
However, Ruto publicly expressed his commitment to include her in his broad-based government, reaffirming her importance within his political circle.
Also Read: Court Withdraws Ksh19M Case Against CS Aisha Jumwa
“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.
This promise came after she missed out on the 20 nominations submitted for Cabinet positions, highlighting her continued influence despite past setbacks.
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