Initial reports that Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa may have endorsed Imran Okoth for Kibra by-election polls could be after all true, it has emerged.
Ms Jumwa, who works closely with Deputy President William Ruto, met ODM leader Raila Odinga on Tuesday within Parliament Buildings.
She dismissed reports that she had endorsed Imran Okoth for Kibra by-election, arguing that the information was being propagated by people close to Raila.
“I neither attended their meeting nor endorsed Mr Okoth,” Ms Jumwa protested to the media last evening in Parliament, claiming the information was part of a scheme to intimidate her out of supporting Mr Ruto.
“I’m reading all over social media that I have endorsed Mr Okoth. I haven’t done such a thing. Those are lies being peddled by people close to the ODM leader.”
But on Tuesday evening at Mash Park Hotel, Ms Jumwa suggestively said that she had been ambushed to support Imran, a confirmation that after all the reports were true.
“I was ambushed. But this is where my heart is. I have always been clear about where I stand," Jumwa said.
ODM Director of Elections Junet Mohamed said that Jumwa had agreed to rejoin ODM, adding that she booked another meeting with Odinga at a later date.
“Mr Odinga had left the plenary meeting briefly before bumping into Ms Jumwa, who was on her way to the office,” Mr Mohamed said.
“The two exchanged pleasantries and she told PM [Raila] that she wants to come back to the party. She said circumstances conspired to push her out of the party but she wanted to return to the fold. I have organised a meeting between her and the party leader as she is welcome to ODM.”