Aisha Jumwa is back in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). President William Ruto received the former Cabinet Secretary at State House, Mombasa, on Thursday. Her return reverses her July exit from the ruling party, which followed a dispute over her plans in Kilifi.
Ruto announced the meeting on his official Facebook account. He said he looked forward to working with Jumwa to advance the party's "transformation agenda at the Coast and across the country." He added that UDA remained committed to uniting leaders and Kenyans around a vision of a united, inclusive and prosperous Kenya.
According to the Daily Nation, the President's statement did not say whether Jumwa had been given a new role in the party or government. Nor did it say whether she will still run for Kilifi governor in 2027.
Jumwa announced on July 30 that she was no longer a UDA member. The Nation reported that she accused the party of frustrating her governorship bid. She also complained of humiliation and exclusion from the party and government. This was despite being a founding member and a key Ruto mobiliser at the Coast.
Opposition figures moved quickly to court her. On July 31, Siaya Governor James Orengo's Linda Mwananchi movement offered her a senior leadership post, the Nation reported. In August she joined Wiper, according to Capital FM. Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka unveiled her as one of the deputy leaders alongside Mohamed Ali.
Kilifi remains the sticking point. Jumwa quit after UDA leaders in the county openly backed Governor Gideon Mung'aro, who is seeking a second term on an ODM ticket. Senate Speaker Amason Kingi said UDA would not field a candidate against Mung'aro. Kilifi North MP Owen Baya restated his support for the governor this week. However, UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar has repeatedly rejected zoning with ODM. He insists the party will field candidates for all elective seats.
Jumwa rose to prominence in ODM, Capital FM noted. She served as Kilifi Woman Representative from 2013 to 2017 and as Malindi MP from 2017 to 2022. She was later Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage until a reshuffle in July 2024.