Is Aisha Jumwa back in ODM?

The presence of former Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa at Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga’s thanksgiving ceremony has sparked speculation among political circles about a possible return to the ODM party.

Leaders, including Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, shared a photo of Jumwa at the event saying, “Hon. Aisha Jumwa was also present at the ODM function. Something is cooking….”

During the event, Jumwa was keen to heap praises on ODM leader Raila Odinga whom she recognized as her political mentor, commending his strong foundation and democratic principles.

“I want to thank Raila Odinga for prioritizing the country by joining President William Ruto in uniting the country. The country is now experiencing peace because of the cooperation between these two leaders,” she said.

Jumwa further lauded the efforts of both Raila and Ruto in promoting women’s leadership by appointing women to key leadership positions citing figures like Cecily Mbarire, the Chairperson of the ruling UDA party, and Governor Wanga now the ODM National Chairperson.

The former CS responded to speculation about her potential return to ODM without completely ruling it out.

“Mnataka nirudi? Msichana akilelewa na babake hutafuta boma lake na mimi nimelelewa na mheshimiwa Raila kama babangu. Wakati nimekomaa nimetafuta boma langu. Na maisha inasonga mbele,” she stated.

The former CS also used the platform to announce her intention to contest the Kilifi gubernatorial seat in 2027, though it remains unclear which party she would use for her bid.

Jumwa, who defected to President William Ruto’s UDA party during the 2022 general elections, initially won her first seat as Kilifi Woman Representative in 2013 on an ODM ticket and later serving as Malindi MP in 2017.

In the 2022 elections, Jumwa ran for the Kilifi governorship under UDA but lost to ODM’s Gideon Mung’aro.

However, her loyalty to President Ruto earned her a position in the Cabinet as the CS for Gender, Culture, the Arts, and Heritage, a role she held for nearly two years after failing to make a comeback in President Ruto’s broad based cabinet.