Kenya's Opposition Courts Ex-CS Aisha Jumwa After UDA Exit

Kenya's political landscape is buzzing as two opposition factions, the Linda Mwananchi wing and the Wiper Patriotic Front, vie for the allegiance of former Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa following her abrupt departure from President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.

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I came here to pay a courtesy call because I could not wait any longer. I know Mheshimiwa Waziri Aisha Jumwa has always been Raila Odinga's political daughter.

Siaya Governor James Orengo made a public overture on Friday, visiting Jumwa at her home in Malindi. He praised her political acumen and expressed confidence in her future, noting her historical ties to Raila Odinga. "I know Mheshimiwa Waziri Aisha Jumwa has always been Raila Odinga's political daughter," Orengo stated, signaling a potential alignment with the opposition.

Jumwa acknowledged the meeting, stating, "I have met with Orengo, and we have spoken. I am still consulting, but the future is bright." Her words suggest she is carefully considering her options after a public falling out with Ruto's administration. She had previously lamented her lack of a position in Ruto's government despite her campaign efforts.

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I have met with Orengo, and we have spoken. I am still consulting, but the future is bright.

Adding to the political maneuvering, Senator Enoch Wambua, a close associate of Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, confirmed on Saturday that Wiper had also approached Jumwa. Wambua believes her joining Wiper would significantly enhance the party's standing in Kenya's Coast region. Wiper plans to solidify its outreach by having Musyoka attend a church service with Jumwa in Malindi, underscoring the party's strategic focus on expanding its influence.

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Our focus is to build a broad coalition that will offer Kenyans a credible alternative government. The opposition will stay together until we send President Ruto home.