Former Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa has officially exited the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and is now reportedly aligning with the Linda Mwananchi movement led by Siaya Governor James Orengo.

On July 31, 2026, Orengo visited Jumwa at her residence in Kakuyuni, Malindi. The two shared a warm embrace, which many interpret as the start of a new political partnership. Orengo confirmed the alliance, stating, "Signing ingine mwecheche, Hon. Aisha Jumwa (Shangazi Wa Taifa) Kilifi is locked!"

Exit from UDA

Jumwa’s departure from the ruling party comes amid growing political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections. She announced her resignation after months of reflection and consultations with her constituents, describing the decision as one of the most difficult in her political career.

Her resignation marks the end of her association with President William Ruto’s party, where she was once a prominent supporter and served in various cabinet positions including Public Service, Gender and Affirmative Action, and later Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage.

Political Career and Recent Developments

  • Jumwa was dropped from Cabinet during President Ruto’s July 2024 cabinet reshuffle amid nationwide protests.
  • In January 2025, she was appointed chairperson of the Kenya Roads Board (KRB), a position later nullified by the High Court in May 2026 for procedural irregularities.
  • Since the court ruling, she has focused on rebuilding her political base without holding government office.

Rift Within UDA and Future Plans

Jumwa’s relationship with UDA deteriorated as the party prepared for the 2027 elections. She had expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s nomination processes for the Kilifi gubernatorial race, advocating for free and fair competition rather than consensus candidates.

Her move to Linda Mwananchi reflects a broader trend of gubernatorial hopefuls seeking alternative political platforms ahead of the polls. Should she formally join the movement, Jumwa will be part of an expanding coalition positioning itself against UDA’s dominance in the upcoming elections.