EALA MP Falhada Iman Dekow speaking in Garissa town.
EALA MP Falhada Iman Dekow has condemned Health CS Aden Duale over remarks he made against former CS Aisha Jumwa, accusing him of using political differences to demean and ridicule a woman leader.
Dekow said political disagreements should not be allowed to degenerate into personal attacks or humiliation, insisting that every leader has a democratic right to choose their political allegiance and support leaders of their choice.
The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP was reacting to remarks attributed to Duale during a resource mobilisation drive in Mombasa in support of Yadul Ulya, an umbrella organisation bringing together more than 70
Duale, who was accompanied by Cabinet colleague Ali Hassan Joho(Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs), and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, aimed at Jumwa, who recently quit President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
In his remarks, Duale claimed that during their time together in Cabinet, Jumwa struggled to understand Cabinet papers and that he had to assist her in interpreting them.
“I want to tell you the people of Coast that don't be intimidated by that sister of yours. The one who has lost direction. I am the one who used to sit with her in the Cabinet. We used to sit close to each other. And she could not even comprehend the Cabinet paper,” Duale said.
He added: “I used to help her read the Cabinet paper for her. And she could not even explain it. I used to assist her. I used to feel so embarrassed whenever the President told her to state the Cabinet paper, she could not.”
Duale also criticised Jumwa for associating with opposition figures, arguing that some of the politicians she had joined had previously served in government but, in his view, had little to show for their time in office.
His remarks have now triggered a sharp reaction from Dekow, who said the political choices made by Jumwa should not be used as justification for attacking her dignity.
“I strongly condemn the utterances attributed to CS Duale against Hon. Aisha Jumwa,” Dekow said.
She maintained that political alignment was a matter of individual choice and that democracy allowed leaders to belong to different parties, support different politicians and hold divergent political opinions.
“Everyone has a right to choose their political alignment. We can belong to different parties, support different leaders, and hold different political opinions. That is the essence of democracy,” she said.
Dekow challenged Duale and other political leaders to focus their criticism on policies and political records rather than resorting to personal attacks, particularly against women leaders.
“You can disagree with Hon. Aisha Jumwa politically. You can challenge her record. You can support a different political camp. But you do not have to disrespect her dignity to make your political point,” she said.
The latest confrontation comes against the backdrop of a major political fallout between Jumwa and the ruling UDA party.
Jumwa announced on July 30 that she had quit UDA after what she described as a difficult period marked by frustration and dissatisfaction with the political direction of the party and her relationship with the administration.
She also signalled her intention to pursue her political ambitions in Kilifi ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The former CS had been one of UDA's prominent political figures at the Coast and had played a significant role in mobilising support for President William Ruto in the region.
Reports following her exit also indicated that she had begun engaging with figures associated with the opposition, including Siaya Governor James Orengo and the Linda Mwananchi movement.
Jumwa's political journey has been marked by frequent shifts in alliances. She previously moved from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) into Ruto's political camp and became a prominent UDA figure before her latest departure. Parliament records identify her as a former Malindi MP and a former Cabinet Secretary.
Her exit has consequently provided fresh ammunition for political exchanges with leaders who remain firmly aligned with the Ruto administration.
Dekow said Jumwa's decision to leave UDA should be treated as part of normal democratic politics rather than a reason to question her competence or dignity.
“But political alignment should never be used as a licence to demean, ridicule, or undermine a woman leader,” she said.
The EALA MP further warned against normalising the humiliation of women leaders for political entertainment, saying such attacks undermine efforts to promote women's participation and leadership in politics.
“As women in leadership, we must understand that today's political opponent may be tomorrow's colleague and, regardless of political differences, we should never normalise the humiliation of women for political entertainment,” Dekow said.
Health CS Aden Duale speaking in Mombasa./courtesy
