Senior United Democratic Alliance (UDA) leaders have downplayed the political impact of former Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa’s resignation, insisting the ruling party remains united and better positioned ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The officials argued that Jumwa’s departure would strengthen internal cohesion rather than weaken the party, accusing the former Gender CS of attempting to pressure President Ruto into granting her the UDA gubernatorial ticket for Kilifi.
Speaking in Kilifi County, Kilifi North MP Owen Baya and UDA National Elections Board (NEB) member Jummy Kahindi dismissed Jumwa’s exit as inconsequential, alleging that she had become disloyal to the party despite benefiting from appointments under the Kenya Kwanza administration.
According to Baya, Jumwa had sought an assurance from President Ruto that she would receive the UDA ticket for the Kilifi governorship, threatening to leave the party if her demand was not met.
The Deputy Majority Leader in the National Assembly claimed the President instead proposed that UDA and ODM conduct an opinion poll to identify the strongest candidate, with the unsuccessful aspirant considered for a Cabinet position.
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Baya alleged that Jumwa rejected the proposal because she wanted an immediate guarantee of the ticket.
“As leaders from Kilifi, we cannot blackmail the President. It is disrespectful to go to State House and attempt to pressure the Head of State,” Baya said.
The legislator further claimed that despite her removal from the Cabinet, President Ruto had continued supporting Jumwa, alleging that she had received more than KSh70 million in government support.
He also dismissed claims that the former CS had been sidelined, noting that she had been appointed to the Kenya Roads Board after leaving the Cabinet.
Baya added that any further government appointment would have to await the conclusion of the ongoing court proceedings challenging her Kenya Roads Board appointment.
He accused Jumwa of using emotional appeals to win public sympathy.
“Tell her that tears will not earn her another job. UDA remains strong, and we will field candidates from the MCA positions to the presidency,” he said.
Baya maintained that Jumwa would face the 2027 elections outside the ruling party, saying UDA remained focused on consolidating its support across the country.
Jumwa Holds Political Consultations
Jumwa announced her resignation from UDA on Thursday, citing betrayal, humiliation and political exclusion within the ruling party.
A day later, she hosted Siaya Governor James Orengo, a senior figure in the Linda Mwananchi movement, at her Kakuyuni home in Kilifi County.
Following the meeting, Jumwa said she remained open to working with leaders who shared her political ideals but indicated that consultations with her supporters were still ongoing before making a final decision on her political future.
Orengo said their discussions centred on engaging Kenyans on the country’s economic challenges and building a broader political movement ahead of the next election.
He praised Jumwa’s political resilience and suggested that more leaders from the Coast region could join the Linda Mwananchi movement as it seeks to change President Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.
The former CS also met a delegation of Jubilee Party leaders from the Coast region, describing the engagement as part of ongoing consultations with stakeholders.
According to Jumwa, the meeting focused on development issues affecting Kilifi County and the growing momentum behind the #BahaJumwa movement.
“Our discussions focused on key cross-cutting issues affecting Kilifi County and the collective commitment to advancing solutions that will improve the lives of our people,” Jumwa said.
Her resignation has added to the wave of political realignments taking shape as parties position themselves for the 2027 General Elections.
The former Cabinet Secretary also met a delegation of Jubilee Party leaders from the Coast region, describing the engagement as
