Linda Mwananchi, the outfit associated with Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo, has opened negotiations with former Gender Cabinet Secretary Ms Aisha Jumwa, offering her a senior leadership position should she join the opposition movement ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The move underscores the opposition’s efforts to rebuild its foothold at the Coast, a politically influential region where President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration has made significant inroads since the 2022 polls.
Governor Orengo said Ms Jumwa’s political experience, grassroots networks and influence in Kilifi would strengthen the movement’s push to challenge President Ruto’s re-election bid.
Mr Orengo, who is also Siaya Governor, said he respected Ms Jumwa’s decision to consult before declaring her next political move but insisted that the movement’s doors remained open.
“Should she decide to join us, she will be given a principal position. She is a courageous leader who has demonstrated the ability to mobilise people and articulate issues affecting wananchi,” Mr Orengo said.
Ms Jumwa’s political future has drawn attention after she announced her resignation from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), the party she helped build and which propelled President Ruto to power in 2022.
Former Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa addresses the media to announce her exit from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
Photo credit: Karim Rajan | Nation Media Group
In her resignation, Ms Jumwa accused the party of embracing practices she described as undemocratic and said the decision was made after consultations with her supporters, reflection and prayers.
However, the former Malindi MP has not committed to any political vehicle, saying she is consulting before announcing her next step as she prepares for a fresh attempt at the Kilifi gubernatorial seat in 2027.
Former CS Aisha Jumwa exits UDA, cites frustration over Kilifi Governor seat
“After leaving UDA, I said I was ready to engage with people who share my vision for Kilifi, the Coast and the country. I am still consulting wananchi before making my final decision,” Ms Jumwa said after meeting Mr Orengo in Malindi.
Her possible return to the opposition would mark a significant political shift in the Coast region, where UDA has worked to consolidate support since taking power.
Currently, Wundanyi MP Danson Mwashako and his Nyali counterpart, Mr Mohammed Ali are among the few Coast leaders associated with the opposition movement. Kenya Kwanza leaders have been seeking to weaken Linda Mwananchi’s influence in the region by persuading Mr Mwashako to abandon the outfit, leaving Mr Ali as its most visible figure at the Coast.
Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro recently criticised leaders supporting the opposition, arguing that they risked undermining government efforts in the region.
“We recently met as Coast governors, senators and MPs in Mombasa and agreed that we will work as one team to support President Ruto’s re-election. Only one MP, Mr Mwashako, remains in the opposition. How can you support a group that is warning tourists against visiting Kenya when our region depends on tourism?” Mr Mung’aro said.
But Mr Mwashako has maintained that he has no plans to leave Linda Mwananchi, saying his political choices are driven by the concerns of his constituents.
He said his decision to join the movement was informed by frustrations over unresolved issues, including Tsavo National Park revenue sharing, water shortages and what he termed unfulfilled government promises.
Ms Jumwa’s possible alliance with Linda Mwananchi comes after a long political journey that has seen her shift between rival camps.
The Linda Mwananchi team during a rally at Tononoka Grounds in Mombasa on March 29, 2026.
She was previously a close ally of the late ODM leader Mr Raila Odinga and was among the most vocal opposition politicians at the Coast before moving to President Ruto’s camp ahead of the 2022 elections. She was appointed as Cabinet Secretary before she was ‘fired’ during the gen z uprising.
Ms Jumwa was later appointed as Kenya Roads Board chairperson. However, she revealed that she has been ‘jobless’ and even denied entry into State House despite helping President Ruto during the 2022 general elections.
Mr Orengo said Ms Jumwa’s return would be welcomed by opposition supporters, recalling her close relationship with Mr Odinga.
“She was one of Baba’s close allies. During political rallies, she was always at the forefront. Baba even gave her the title Mekatilili wa Menza because of her courage,” he said.
The Siaya governor also claimed that other Coast leaders aligned with UDA were considering crossing over, arguing that Ms Jumwa’s decision could encourage them to come out publicly.
For Linda Mwananchi, attracting Ms Jumwa would provide a boost in Kilifi, where she retains considerable grassroots support and remains one of the region’s most recognisable political figures.
But the former Cabinet Secretary faces a difficult political calculation. Her priority remains capturing the Kilifi governorship, and her choice of alliance will determine the platform from which she launches that bid.
This is not Ms Jumwa’s first exit from UDA. Last year, she briefly moved towards Senate Speaker Amason Kingi’s Pamoja African Alliance (PAA), describing it as a homegrown party. However, after PAA joined UDA, she found herself at a political crossroads.
Ms Jumwa, a founding member of UDA, said leaving the party was painful because she had invested significant energy in building it.
Her latest political move reflects the fluid alliances expected ahead of 2027, as Coast leaders position themselves for influence in both county and national politics.
