The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (Kewopa) revealed deep divisions over the fate of Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa following her expulsion from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) over alleged disloyalty and misconduct.
A faction of women MPs, including Kandara representative Alice Wahome, publicly defended Jumwa at parliamentary facilities under Kewopa auspices. However, Homa Bay Woman Representative Gladys Wanga clarified that the group had not reached a consensus on the matter.
Jumwa's defense emerged as she addressed the National Assembly, with Wahome's faction of approximately 10 MPs gathering at the parliamentary media center to show solidarity. The MP criticized her party's actions, stating, "I have been unjustly condemned for building bridges with other Kenyans," referencing the 2018 Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) that united President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga after the contentious 2017 general election.
ODM formally notified the acting Registrar of Political Parties (RPP) Anne Nderitu of Jumwa's removal, submitting disciplinary committee minutes and documents from the National Executive Council (NEC) and National Governing Council (NGC). The party argued that Jumwa violated the Political Parties Act by advancing rival party interests through her support for Deputy President William Ruto's 2022 presidential bid.
Wahome criticized the expulsion as irrational, claiming it threatened the two-thirds gender rule. However, ODM maintained that party procedures were followed, noting Jumwa refused to apologize when confronted. "There was no consensus over this. It is a matter of ODM, not Kewopa," Wanga asserted.
The Political Parties Act stipulates that MPs who promote rival party interests lose their legislative seats. The RPP is required to notify the Speaker of any membership changes, triggering a by-election process. Jumwa secured a court order suspending her expulsion pending a tribunal hearing on March 8, seeking to challenge ODM's decision as legally flawed.
