Former Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa. /FILEFormer Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa has announced her exit from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), becoming the latest high-profile figure to part ways with the party amid shifting political alliances ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking at a press conference at her Kakuyuni home in Malindi on Thursday, the former Malindi MP said she had reached the decision after extensive reflection, prayer and consultations with her supporters.
"After deep reflection, heartfelt prayer and countless consultations with the people I serve, I have made one of the most difficult decisions of my political life. From today, Aisha Jumwa Karisa Katana is no longer a member of the United Democratic Alliance, UDA," she said.
Jumwa said her decision was informed by frustrations over her bid to contest the Kilifi governor's seat in 2027, unfulfilled political promises and what she described as the party's declining popularity at the Coast.
She urged Kilifi residents to remain calm, saying she would soon unveil her next political move, although she did not disclose further details.
Her departure adds to a growing list of senior politicians who have recently exited UDA, including former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, Nyandarua Governor Moses Kiarie Badilisha and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro.
Jumwa was among UDA's founding members and one of President William Ruto's most vocal allies.
She most recently served as the non-executive chairperson of the Kenya Roads Board, a position she lost after the High Court nullified her appointment on May 20, 2026.
Before that, she was Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage until July 2024, when she was dismissed during a Cabinet reshuffle at the height of the Gen Z-led protests.
Prior to her parastatal appointment, Jumwa served as Malindi MP between 2017 and 2022 after previously serving as Kilifi county's first Woman Representative from 2013 to 2017.
