Former Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa has vigorously refuted recent claims suggesting that she is planning to join the Pamoja African Alliance (PAA) party. In a response posted on her Facebook page, Jumwa categorically denied the reports, branding them as misleading. She also took the opportunity to distance herself from what she referred to as “village parties,” while emphasizing her status as a proud nationalist.
The controversy stems from a report that claimed Jumwa was considering leaving her current party, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), and possibly joining the PAA. This report also suggested that her attempts to rejoin the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) had failed, leaving her with no choice but to look into alternative political options. The PAA, founded by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, had reportedly caught her attention as a possible political refuge.
However, Jumwa quickly debunked these allegations, stating that she is not a “villager” and has no interest in joining what she sees as a smaller, regional political party. “I am not a villager but a proud nationalist,” Jumwa asserted. “Niachie nani nyumba yangu?” which translates to “Who would I leave my house for?” This phrase, laden with defiance, underscores her commitment to her political home UDA and her reluctance to entertain the idea of moving to another party.
Jumwa’s statement is a clear rejection of suggestions that her political future is uncertain or in flux. She questioned the validity of claims that she was exploring other political options, instead reaffirming her loyalty to UDA, the party that propelled her to the position of Gender Cabinet Secretary in President William Ruto’s government. As a member of UDA, she has played an active role in supporting the government’s policies and initiatives.
In the 2022 general elections, Jumwa was the UDA’s Kilifi gubernatorial candidate but lost to ODM’s Gideon Mung’aro. Despite this setback, she has remained an influential figure in the coastal region’s politics. Her ties to UDA, particularly in the context of the Kilifi North constituency, remain strong, even in the face of internal party opposition. Reports suggest that her efforts to return to ODM, the party where she had previously been affiliated, were unsuccessful. This failure has led some to speculate about her next political move.
Adding fuel to the fire, some reports indicated that Jumwa was facing opposition from her fellow UDA members, particularly Kilifi North MP Owen Baya. This intra-party friction may have further complicated her position, but Jumwa’s statement makes it clear that she has no intentions of leaving UDA or joining PAA, despite any political challenges she might face.
The rumors surrounding her political future gained momentum after Jumwa was seen attending a homecoming celebration for Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who had recently been elected National Chairperson of ODM. Her attendance at the event raised eyebrows, fueling speculation that she might be attempting to re-align herself with the opposition party. However, Jumwa’s statement on Facebook put those rumors to rest, reiterating that she is firmly committed to UDA.
While Jumwa’s political journey has not been without its hurdles, her ability to address these rumors with clarity and confidence shows her resilience. She remains one of the most prominent figures in coastal politics and a key player in the ruling party. As the political landscape in Kenya continues to evolve, Jumwa’s position within UDA seems secure, despite the swirling rumors and speculation about her future.
In conclusion, Aisha Jumwa’s emphatic denial of the claims regarding her potential move to the PAA party sends a strong message that she is not swayed by political gossip. Her pride in being a nationalist and her commitment to UDA indicate that she is focused on advancing her political career on her own terms, rather than being drawn into the ebb and flow of party politics. As Kenyan politics continues to shift, Jumwa’s stance serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the country’s political scene.
