Siaya Governor James Orengo has publicly welcomed former Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa to the Linda Mwananchi movement, signalling a possible new political alignment just a day after Jumwa announced her resignation from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Orengo made the remarks after meeting Jumwa at her home in Kakuyuni, Malindi, Kilifi County, where the two held discussions on Friday. Following the meeting, the governor shared a message on social media welcoming the former Gender, Culture, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary to the movement.
“Welcome to the Movement, Aisha Jumwa (Shangazi Wa Taifa)!” Orengo wrote after the meeting.
The meeting comes less than 24 hours after Jumwa formally announced her departure from UDA, bringing to an end her association with the party that swept to power in the 2022 General Election. In her resignation statement, Jumwa said she had made the decision after what she described as a period of political marginalisation within the party following her exit from Cabinet.
While Orengo’s remarks have been widely interpreted as signalling Jumwa’s entry into the Edwin Sifuna-led Linda Mwananchi movement, the former Cabinet Secretary had not, by the time of publication, publicly confirmed that she had formally joined the movement.
Jumwa acknowledged hosting Orengo but stopped short of issuing a formal declaration of membership, making the governor’s statement the clearest public indication yet of a possible political partnership.
The development is the latest in a series of political realignments taking shape ahead of the 2027 General Election, as parties and emerging political formations seek to broaden their regional influence and attract experienced leaders.
Jumwa remains one of the Coast region’s most recognisable political figures. She first served as Malindi Member of Parliament before being elected Kilifi Woman Representative and later appointed to the Cabinet by President William Ruto. Throughout the 2022 election period, she was among the president’s prominent allies in the Coast region and played a key role in mobilising support for Kenya Kwanza.
Her resignation from UDA and subsequent meeting with Orengo have therefore attracted significant political attention, with analysts viewing the developments as part of the ongoing reconfiguration of alliances within both the ruling coalition and the opposition.
The Linda Mwananchi movement has in recent months gained visibility through a series of public rallies and political engagements involving opposition leaders. The movement seeks to consolidate support ahead of the next general election and has continued to attract interest from politicians across different parties.
For now, the meeting between Orengo and Jumwa, coupled with the governor’s public endorsement, marks a notable development in Kenya’s evolving political landscape as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.