Leaders of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in Kilifi County have dismissed former Gender Minister Aisha Jumwa's decision to join the Pamoja African Alliance (PAA) in her bid for the 2027 gubernatorial election. They have reaffirmed their backing for incumbent Governor Gideon Mung’aro of ODM, positioning him as the county's key political figure.
In Kilifi County, ODM leaders have shown firm solidarity with Governor Gideon Mung’aro following former Gender Minister Aisha Jumwa's recent switch to the Pamoja African Alliance (PAA), led by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi. Jumwa, who lost to Mung’aro in the 2022 election while running under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), has changed affiliations to pursue the gubernatorial seat again.
Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi stated that Mung’aro remains the political kingpin, urging collaboration with him. “In political matters here in Kilifi, we must collaborate with our Governor Mr. Mung’aro who is our political spokesperson,” Mnyazi said. She also praised President William Ruto for appointing two coastal ministers, Hassan Joho (Mining and Blue Economy) and Salim Mvurya (Sports), along with five principal secretaries. “We must extend a hand to President Ruto. We won the Magarini parliamentary seat because of cooperation with the government,” she added.
Kaloleni MP Paul Katana emphasized continued political and developmental partnership with Mung’aro, encouraging residents to support the Kenya Kwanza administration unwaveringly. “Our late ODM leader, Mr. Raila Odinga, left us in the government and we will remain there. The ODM Kilifi chairman is Mr. Mung’aro. If we want development, we stay in the government,” Katana said. He warned against betraying Mung’aro ahead of the 2027 polls.
Youth and Sports Secretary Fikirini Jacobs cautioned parents against opposition politics, affirming support for Ruto's benefits. “I warn my parents, do not listen to them. We are in the government and support President Ruto for governmental gains,” she said. This underscores ODM's steadfast stance in Kilifi to align with the administration and Mung’aro.
