Deputy President William Ruto condemned ODM leader Raila Odinga for the 2019 expulsion of Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa, accusing the party of orchestrating a sexist political maneuver. Ruto criticized the decision during a fundraiser in Jaribuni, vowing public support for Jumwa amid allegations of internal party sabotage.
"You cannot claim to unite Kenyans while creating divisions in other parties and expelling members from your own," Ruto stated. "Expelling individuals for engaging with senior leaders undermines political integrity and fails to foster national cohesion." He specifically targeted ODM's use of a National Executive Council to plan Jumwa's removal, calling the process undemocratic and hypocritical.
Jumwa, facing disciplinary action for her ties to Ruto, rejected intimidation and urged constituents to back his presidential campaign. "I will not be silenced," she declared. A 2019 tribunal later blocked the expulsion, citing procedural flaws. ODM's internal disciplinary process had initially sought to remove her for alleged disloyalty.
Supporters like Lunga Lunga MP Khatib Mwashetani defended Jumwa, asserting that the electorate would reject efforts to undermine her. The event drew multiple lawmakers, including Lamu Senator Anwar Oloitiptip and Kilifi Woman Representative Getrude Mbeyu, who emphasized Jumwa's political resilience.
