Former Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa who is eying the Kilifi gubernatorial seat has announced her exit from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, saying her loyalty to the people of Kilifi outweighs her allegiance to any political party.
This is the second time she is leaving UDA. In December last year, the Kenya Roads Board chairperson announced that she ditched UDA for Senate Speaker Amason Kingi's Pamoja African Alliance (PAA).
However, when the PAA party decided that it will not field candidates in the 2027 elections but will support UDA, she was left at a crossroad.
Former CS Aisha Jumwa exits UDA, cites frustration over Kilifi Governor seat
Ms Jumwa then continued her grassroots campaigns under the UDA banner, hoping for a gubernatorial ticket but faced rejection from party leaders at the county who openly threw their weight behind Governor Gideon Mung’aro of ODM.
In a press conference on Thursday, Ms Jumwa announced that she was no longer a member of President William Ruto's political party, citing what she described as undemocratic actions that undermine the will of the people of Kilifi.
"From today, Aisha Jumwa Katana is no longer a member of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). This decision is not an act of anger. It is an act of conscience," she said.
The former Malindi MP, said she had reached the decision after consultations with residents, reflection and prayer. Ms Jumwa, a founding member of UDA, said leaving the party was painful because she had invested her energy and commitment in building it.
"As many of you know, I am a founding member of the United Democratic Alliance. Leaving a party you helped build is never an easy decision. It is painful. It is deeply personal," she said.
However, she maintained that leadership belongs to the people and not political parties or individuals, insisting that democracy must protect citizens' right to choose their leaders freely.
"My loyalty to the people of Kilifi will always be greater than my loyalty to any political party. The voice of the people of Kilifi is louder than the voice of UDA," she said.
Although she did not specify the incidents that prompted her departure, Ms Jumwa claimed there had been attempts to suppress the aspirations and choices of Kilifi residents. According to her, the actions go against the spirit of democracy.
She further revealed that she had raised her concerns with President Ruto, expressing hope that justice, fairness and respect for the will of the people would prevail. Ms Jumwa said she would soon unveil a new political vehicle that would champion what she termed as a shared dream for a better Kilifi.
She urged residents to remain peaceful and united, saying the new movement was about improving healthcare, creating jobs, expanding opportunities for farmers, ensuring access to clean water and promoting accountable leadership.
The announcement marks the latest political shift by the outspoken Coast politician as realignments begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 General Election. Earlier this week, reports had suggested that she was considering joining the Linda Mwananchi movement.
Ms Jumwa said she was ready to face Mr Mung'aro of ODM in the 2027 elections for the gubernatorial race. Kilifi has remained an ODM stronghold since 2007.
