MOMBASA, Kenya- President William Ruto has welcomed former Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa back to the United Democratic Alliance, signalling a fresh political realignment at the Coast ahead of the 2027 General Election.
President Ruto received Jumwa at State House, Mombasa, saying he looked forward to working with her to advance UDA’s transformation agenda in the region 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,” President Ruto said.
The President said UDA remains committed to uniting leaders and Kenyans around what he described as a shared vision of a united, inclusive and prosperous country.
Jumwa’s return marks a major reversal after she publicly left UDA in July, citing frustration and humiliation over her political ambitions in Kilifi County.
Return after months outside UDA
The former Cabinet Secretary was later welcomed into Wiper, where Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka proposed that she take up a senior party position.
Her return to UDA comes as political parties continue to reposition leaders and build regional networks before the 2027 contest.
Jumwa, a former Malindi MP and a prominent Coast politician, was among President Ruto’s most vocal allies during the 2022 General Election and served in his Cabinet.
Her exit from UDA had drawn attention because of her role in building support for the party at the Coast and her stated interest in contesting the Kilifi governorship.
President Ruto’s statement did not disclose whether Jumwa has been assigned a formal UDA position or whether her return changes the party’s plans for the Kilifi governor race.
Coast politics in focus
The Coast remains a major arena in the shifting alliances ahead of 2027, with UDA, ODM, Wiper and other parties seeking to secure influential leaders and grassroots networks.
Jumwa’s return gives UDA a familiar and experienced political voice in Kilifi, where she maintains an active support base.
It also comes amid discussions over cooperation between UDA and ODM, including questions around which parties will field candidates in key county races.
President Ruto said the party would continue pursuing unity, using the slogan “Usawa ni Sawa, Mbele Pamoja.”
Jumwa has not publicly detailed the terms of her return or indicated whether she will still pursue the Kilifi governor seat on a UDA ticket.
Her next political moves are likely to be closely watched as parties settle their line-ups for the 2027 election.
