This archive report was first published on 1 October 2019.
Aisha Jumwa's Sudden U-Turn: From Ruto's Camp to ODM ¶
On October 1, 2019, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) made a surprise announcement on its Twitter account, stating that Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa had rejoined the party after months of dalliance with Deputy President William Ruto's faction.
The announcement was reinforced by ODM's Communications Director Philip Etale, who posted photos of Jumwa smiling with ODM leader Raila Odinga and other party members.
Etale stated, 'She attended the Parliamentary Group meeting at County Hall chaired by Party Leader H.E Raila Odinga and has vowed to vigorously campaign for Bernard Okoth in Kibra.'
However, in a curious move, ODM later deleted the tweet announcing Jumwa's reunion with the party. Etale has since left his position.
It is worth noting that Jumwa was elected on an ODM ticket in 2017 but had gravitated towards the Jubilee Party in the past two years, openly campaigning for DP Ruto to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Her sudden return to ODM is seen as a blow to DP Ruto, who had emerged as one of his point men in the coast region as he prepares his bid for presidency in 2022.
On the other hand, this development is seen as a win for Raila, who is positioning himself for a possible contest against DP Ruto in the coming general election.
Denis Itumbi, Ruto's social media strategist, has strongly denied the claims made by ODM, calling them 'convenient' and 'untrue.'
