Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa has been given the nickname 'mama radar' for joining Deputy President William Ruto's camp ahead of the 2022 presidential race. Jumwa had been termed an iron lady for tough talk and influence in the Coast region while a supporter of Opposition leader Raila Odinga. The Opposition and the government united on March 9 and since then, their politicians have met and made strategic alliances.
At an Iftar dinner and fundraising in Malindi, Kilifi county, Jumwa said the era of being in the Opposition was over.
The name 'mama radar' came from National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale.
According to Duale, Jumwa is not only an MP but also one of the six commissioners running parliamentary affairs with Speaker Justin Muturi.
“I am happy to have Aisha. She was in the Opposition but I told her not to make that mistake again. This time around there is no competition; everybody is with Ruto."Duale said this in apparent reference to the unity and development deal that President Uhuru Kenyatta and Nasa principal Raila Odinga announced at Harambee House in Nairobi on March 9.
The Malindi MP earlier assured the DP that with political changes in the constituency and the Coast at large, he will get sufficient support from the region. She said she had had "enough of the same".
At the dinner and fundraising, Kingi led a section of Coast leaders in declaring that they will form an alliance to back Ruto ahead of the next vote. He was categorical about the alliance - he said it should be based on terms favorable for the region, away from the Coast's culture of leaning on political parties without agreements.
He dismissed ODM leaders terming Kilifi politicians rebels for taking Ruto's side ahead of the poll.