Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has moved to bring former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa into the party’s senior leadership as political parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Kalonzo made the proposal on Friday, August 14, 2026, when he visited Jumwa at her residence in Kilifi County. He welcomed her to Wiper and said he would propose her for the position of Deputy Party Leader.
According to Kalonzo, the proposal will be taken to the party headquarters before the appointment is formally announced.
The move comes days after Jumwa resigned from the ruling United Democratic Alliance. Her departure from UDA followed public criticism of the party and President William Ruto, with Jumwa saying she felt sidelined despite the support she had given the administration and its political activities.
Jumwa is a familiar figure in Kilifi politics. She previously served as Kilifi Woman Representative and later became a Cabinet Secretary.
She also contested the Kilifi gubernatorial seat in the 2022 General Election on a UDA ticket, where she faced several other candidates.
Her entry into Wiper could therefore have importance beyond the party leadership position. Kilifi remains a key political battleground at the Coast, and Jumwa has maintained a strong grassroots network in the county.
Her political experience could give Wiper an opportunity to strengthen its presence in the region.
For Jumwa, the proposed position would provide a national platform as she works to rebuild her political base after leaving government and UDA.
She has also been consulting people in Kilifi about her next political move.
Wiper was not the only political group that showed interest in Jumwa after her resignation.
The Linda Mwananchi political grouping had reached out to her, while Siaya Governor James Orengo also visited her shortly after she left UDA. Kalonzo’s decision to personally meet her and propose a senior position shows the importance Wiper places on her political influence.
Jumwa brings experience from Parliament, government and grassroots politics. She has also worked with different political parties and alliances over the years, giving her an understanding of Kenya’s changing coalition politics.
Her return to active county politics could also revive speculation about another attempt at the Kilifi governorship in 2027. She has previously shown interest in the seat, and her new association with Wiper could shape the political contest in the county.
The proposed appointment would also signal an effort to expand beyond its traditional support base. Having a senior Coast politician within its top leadership could help the party build stronger connections with voters in the region.
The proposal now awaits the formal party process. If approved, Jumwa would join Wiper’s senior leadership at a time when parties are reorganising and politicians are reviewing their political alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.
The impact of her move will ultimately depend on how well she maintains her support in Kilifi and whether Wiper can turn the new partnership into wider political support at the Coast.
