Former Gender and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa has officially ditched President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and pitched camp with Pamoja African Alliance (PAA), the party led by National Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, in a move that has disrupted the Coast political landscape.
The outspoken Kilifi politician announced her defection this morning during a well-attended rally at her private residence in Malindi Town, where hundreds of supporters clad in orange PAA regalia cheered as she publicly received party membership from Speaker Kingi himself. Jumwa told the crowd that she felt more at home in PAA because the party truly represents the interests of the people of the Coast.
“I have listened to my people, and I have listened to my heart. Today I am proud to join Pamoja African Alliance under the leadership of Speaker Amason Kingi. This is the vehicle that will finally bring development and respect to the Coast region,” Jumwa declared as drums rolled and women ululated.
Speaker Kingi welcomed the former CS, describing her as a fearless leader whose experience in national government will strengthen PAA ahead of the 2027 General Election. “Aisha Jumwa is coming home. She has always fought for the rights of coastal people even when it was not popular. With her on board, PAA is now unstoppable from Lamu to Taita Taveta,” Kingi said.
The defection comes barely two years after Jumwa was sacked from Cabinet in October 2024 during a mini-reshuffle that saw several Coast leaders dropped from government. Political analysts say her exit from UDA had been long expected after she repeatedly complained of being sidelined by the ruling party despite campaigning tirelessly for President Ruto in 2022.
Sources close to the former CS revealed that she had grown increasingly frustrated with UDA’s national leadership for failing to honour promises made to Coast voters, especially on the establishment of a Coast-based university and settlement of historical land injustices. PAA, which has positioned itself as the authentic voice of the Mijikenda and other coastal communities, offered her a senior leadership role and a direct ticket for Kilifi governor in 2027.
Several elected leaders from Kilifi and Kwale counties have followed Jumwa into PAA in recent weeks, including two sitting Members of County Assembly and a former MP. The wave of defections has significantly boosted PAA’s numbers in the region and weakened UDA’s grip on what was once considered a stronghold.
Political analyst Professor Halima Kambi observed that Jumwa’s move could trigger a major realignment in Coast politics.
“Aisha still commands a huge following, especially among women and youth. Her joining PAA gives Speaker Kingi a real shot at the presidency or at least a kingmaker position in 2027,” she told bana.co.ke.
As news of the defection spread, celebrations erupted in Malindi, Magarini, and Ganze, with boda boda riders parading through the streets waving PAA flags. Meanwhile, UDA officials in Kilifi remained tight-lipped.
With exactly 18 months to the next election, today’s high-profile switch by Aisha Jumwa has firmly placed Pamoja African Alliance on the national map and signalled the beginning of an intense battle for the soul of Coast votes.
