KILIFI, Kenya — Former Malindi MP and former Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa has defected from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and joined the Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF), endorsing party leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s bid for the presidency in the 2027 General Election.
Jumwa announced her decision during a political gathering in Kakuyuni, Malindi, Kilifi County, where she joined leaders and residents in declaring a new political direction for the Coast region.
She said she could no longer remain silent while what she described as the concerns and interests of the people of Kilifi continued to be ignored.
Jumwa further claimed that attempts had been made to persuade her to remain quiet in exchange for political rewards, but said she had chosen instead to stand with the people of Kilifi.
She expressed confidence that the Coastal region would overwhelmingly support Kalonzo in the 2027 presidential election.
Kalonzo welcomes Jumwa to Wiper
Kalonzo welcomed Jumwa into Wiper and confirmed the party’s support for her bid to become Kilifi governor in the 2027 elections.
The former Vice-President described the defection as part of efforts to strengthen Wiper’s presence at the Coast and position the party as a major political force ahead of the next General Election.
The leaders also unveiled what they described as WPF’s emerging leadership team for the Coastal region.
The proposed lineup includes Mohamed Ali for Mombasa governor, Danson Mwashako for Taita Taveta governor, Aisha Jumwa for Kilifi governor and Senator Abdalla Shakilla for Lamu governor.
The party said candidates for the remaining Coastal counties would be unveiled later.
Kalonzo warns Ruto over Uhuru
During the gathering, Kalonzo also cautioned President William Ruto against dragging retired President Uhuru Kenyatta into political disputes.
He argued that political differences should be addressed directly and respectfully rather than involving former leaders in political confrontations.
Kalonzo’s remarks came amid an increasingly heated political exchange between Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, with Uhuru’s name featuring prominently in the debate over opposition politics and the 2027 election.
Wiper seeks Coast support
Kalonzo also invoked his longstanding political partnership with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, reminding residents of the political journey they undertook together across the Coast during campaigns for democracy and social justice.
He said WPF was positioning itself as a new political home for Coastal communities and pledged to expand the party’s grassroots structures across the region.
The Wiper leader also said the party would intensify its political engagements in Luo Nyanza, arguing that this would help preserve the ideals and aspirations associated with Raila.
Raila remained a major political figure in both Nyanza and the Coast for decades, building strong political networks in the two regions.
