UDA Leaders Celebrate Jumwa’s Exit as Orengo Courts Former CS for Linda Wananchi Movement

By Ben Okweingoti.

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) leadership in Kilifi County has welcomed the departure of former Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa from the ruling party, accusing her of attempting to blackmail President William Ruto and placing personal interests ahead of the party's agenda.

Speaking during a meeting at Juwaba Hall in Kilifi Town on Friday, Kilifi North Member of Parliament Owen Baya, accompanied by UDA National Elections Board (NEB) member Jimmy Kahindi and hundreds of party supporters, dismissed Jumwa's exit as inconsequential. Supporters even sang the popular "Salama Salama" song as they wished her well in her political journey.

Baya alleged that Jumwa had demanded to be handed the UDA gubernatorial ticket for Kilifi County and threatened to leave the party if her request was not granted.

According to the Deputy Majority Leader of the National Assembly, President Ruto had proposed that UDA and ODM conduct an opinion poll to determine the strongest gubernatorial candidate in Kilifi, with the unsuccessful contender being considered for a Cabinet position.

However, Baya claimed Jumwa rejected the proposal and sought to pressure the President into making an immediate decision.

"As Kilifi leaders, we cannot blackmail the President. It is unacceptable to go to State House and attempt to pressure the Head of State," Baya said.

The MP further accused Jumwa of failing to appreciate the opportunities President Ruto had given her despite her losing the 2022 gubernatorial election. He noted that the President appointed her to the Cabinet and later to the Kenya Roads Board (KRB), dismissing her claims that she had been sidelined by the government.

He also claimed that President Ruto had personally assisted Jumwa on several occasions, including helping settle a KSh3 million hospital bill for her mother—support that Jumwa had publicly acknowledged during her mother's funeral.

"It is therefore misleading for her to claim that the President has never supported her," Baya said.

He described Jumwa as a leader driven by personal interests and urged UDA members to remain united, assuring them that the party would field candidates for all elective positions in the 2027 General Election.

Baya also dismissed Jumwa's emotional public appearances, saying they would not influence the party's decisions.

"Her tears will not earn her another government job. UDA remains strong, and we will meet at the ballot in August 2027," he said.

Meanwhile, barely a day after announcing her resignation from UDA, Jumwa received Siaya Governor James Orengo, leader of the Linda Wananchi Movement, at her Kakuyuni home in Kilifi County.

Following a closed-door meeting, Jumwa said she was open to working with leaders who share her political ideals but stopped short of confirming whether she would join the movement.

"Today I met Governor James Orengo. I listened to him and kept his words in my heart. I am still consulting my people at the Coast, but I would like to say that the future is bright," she said.

Jumwa maintained that consultations with her supporters were ongoing before she makes a final decision on her political future.

Orengo described the meeting as the beginning of broader consultations aimed at building a national movement to challenge President Ruto's administration ahead of the 2027 General Election.

He praised Jumwa for what he termed her resilience despite the frustrations she allegedly faced within UDA, recalling her long association with former ODM leader Raila Odinga.

"In my capacity as the leader of the Linda Wananchi Movement, I led a delegation to visit Aisha Jumwa because she has always been a strong ally of Raila Odinga. She stood firm through difficult moments, and I believe the Coast has gained a leader who can champion the interests of its people," Orengo said.

The Siaya Governor further claimed that several other political leaders from the Coast region were expected to join the Linda Wananchi Movement as it seeks to rally support ahead of the 2027 elections.