Former Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa has officially resigned from President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), in a dramatic political move that marks one of the biggest setbacks for the ruling party at the Coast ahead of the next General Election.
Jumwa announced her departure in an emotional statement, saying the decision was among the most difficult she has made in her political career. Once one of President Ruto’s most outspoken allies, she accused the Head of State of abandoning and humiliating her despite her unwavering loyalty during the 2022 presidential campaign.
“From today, I am no longer a member of the UDA Party,” Jumwa declared.
She went on to recount what she described as years of sacrifice for President Ruto’s political ambitions, saying she stood by him long before many of his current allies joined his camp.
“Ruto, I loved you and campaigned for you on my own, before those who are now persuading you to betray me. You are the President, yet I don’t even have a job as a sweeper in your government. If you have no idea, I’ve been chased away from State House. You’ve humiliated me enough. I want to announce that, starting today, I am no longer a UDA member,” she said.
The remarks signal a bitter fallout between Jumwa and the ruling administration, highlighting growing dissatisfaction among some politicians who played key roles in President Ruto’s rise to power but now feel sidelined.
Shortly after announcing her resignation from UDA, Jumwa confirmed that she had joined the Linda Mwananchi movement, a political outfit that has been steadily gaining momentum in different parts of the country. Her decision is expected to significantly reshape political alignments along the Coast, where she remains one of the region’s most influential political figures.
Political insiders say Jumwa’s move could trigger fresh realignments, with several grassroots leaders and supporters believed to be reconsidering their positions amid changing political dynamics. Her switch is also seen as a major boost for the Linda Mwananchi movement as it seeks to expand its influence and attract prominent leaders ahead of the 2027 elections.
Despite no longer serving in the Cabinet, Jumwa remains active in public affairs and currently serves as Chairperson of the Kenya Roads Board (KRB). Her latest political decision is likely to spark debate within the ruling coalition over the treatment of former allies and the growing dissatisfaction among some of its founding supporters.
Jumwa was among the earliest and most vocal leaders to publicly back William Ruto’s presidential bid at a time when many politicians were reluctant to associate themselves with his campaign. She frequently defended Ruto in public rallies and became one of the most recognizable faces of the Kenya Kwanza campaign, particularly in the Coast region.
Her exit therefore carries significant political weight, with analysts expected to closely watch whether other leaders within UDA follow a similar path.
The development comes at a time when Kenya’s political landscape is experiencing renewed activity, with parties and political movements positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election. Competition for influence in the Coast region has intensified in recent months, making Jumwa’s defection a potentially significant factor in the evolving political equation.
For UDA, the resignation represents a symbolic loss of one of its most recognizable Coast leaders. For the Linda Mwananchi movement, however, it is a major political gain that could strengthen its presence and credibility as it seeks to establish itself as an alternative political force.
As reactions continue to emerge, all eyes will now be on whether Jumwa’s departure remains an isolated incident or marks the beginning of a broader shift that could reshape Kenya’s political landscape in the months ahead.