Aisha Jumwa dumps Wiper after nomination, rejoins Ruto's UDA

President Ruto also welcomed Jumwa's return, expressing optimism about working with her to strengthen the party's presence at the Coast and across the country.

A photo collage of President William Ruto meeting former CS Aisha Jumwa at State House, Mombasa on November 12, 2026. Photo/Courtesy

Former Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa has rejoined the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), weeks after being nominated for the Wiper Patriotic Front's Deputy Party Leader position.

In an announcement on Thursday, UDA said President William Ruto welcomed Jumwa back to the ruling party during a meeting at State House in Mombasa, where he presented her with a UDA cap, symbolising her return to the party.

"President William Ruto, the UDA Party Leader, welcomed former Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa back to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) at State House, Mombasa," the party stated on X.

"The President reaffirmed his commitment to uniting Kenyans and advancing an inclusive national transformation agenda."

Ruto also welcomed Jumwa's return, expressing optimism about working with her to strengthen the party's presence at the Coast and across the country.

"I look forward to working with her to advance the party’s transformation agenda at the Coast and across the country. We remain committed to uniting leaders and Kenyans around our shared vision of a united, inclusive and prosperous Kenya. Usawa ni Sawa, Mbele Pamoja," the President stated.

Jumwa's return to UDA comes months after she announced her departure from the party on July 30, citing frustration and what she described as humiliation over her ambitions to contest the Kilifi gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election.

She claimed that her attempts to have her grievances addressed by President Ruto had repeatedly fallen on deaf ears.

Among the incidents she cited was an alleged occasion when she was chased out of State House during a meeting between the President and Coast leaders, which she said contributed to her decision to leave the ruling party.

Jumwa said she was among the founders of UDA but had been sidelined in the current government, claiming she did not hold any position, "not even that of a sweeper", despite being expected to campaign for Ruto's re-election on the promise of a Cabinet appointment.

Shortly after her exit, Jumwa was spotted alongside Opposition figures, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, fuelling speculation that she had found political alignment within the Linda Mwananchi movement.

On August 14, 2026, Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka nominated Jumwa for the position of Deputy Party Leader, citing confidence in her leadership and political experience.

"Huyu ni kibonge cha mama dunia nzima mpaka akisimama kwa WPF Kalonzo anaheshimika. I want to propose that she will be the Deputy Party Leader of Wiper Patriotic Front. The party leadership will formally make the announcement after deliberations," Kalonzo stated.

"There's no other party which has ever given Aisha a similar position with all her experience," he added.

Jumwa's latest political move highlights the shifting alliances expected to shape the run-up to the 2027 General Election, as politicians reassess their positions and weigh their options between competing political camps.