Embattled Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa is still at crossroads over whether to explain to the ODM party why she chose to go against the party's principles to campaign for Deputy President William Ruto or not.
The MP was elected as Malindi lawmaker on an ODM party and her association with Ruto has put her at loggerheads with the ODM top leadership including opposition chief Raila Odinga.
Among leaders from Coast region who have warned Aisha against campaigning for Ruto is Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho.
But what are the chances that Joho will successfully reign in on the MP and stop her from campaigning for the DP?
Joho may not succeed in all this because Jumwa's current association involves high profile politicians who include the DP himself. Besides, the outspoken MP has the blessing of Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi who is also in support of Ruto's 2022 State House bid.
Ruto has the capacity to unleash a campaign machinery in Kilifi County as well as Malindi constituency where Aisha comes from to ensure the lawmaker win back her seat.
This machinery supported with good funding can work round the clock to ensure Jumwa retains her MP seat in 2022. It is true that Kilifi is largely an opposition zone, but it should be remembered that what may play out in Malindi in 2022 is exactly what happened in Kwale where Lunga Lunga MP Khatib Mwashetani overcame the opposition wave and retained his seat on a Jubilee Party ticket.
Although Joho has promised leaders from Coast who support Ruto a run for their money come 2022, Aisha may ride on Ruto and Kingi's influence to retain her seat.