Malindi MP-elect Aisha Jumwa displays her certificate after winning the seat. [Photo/ the-star.co. ke]
Aisha Jumwa made history in the August 8 election by becoming Malindi’s first female MP.
Jumwa won the seat after garnering 28,788 votes. Jubilee candidate Philip Charo came in second with 14,289 votes.While many believe that the outspoken politician was riding on ODM’s popularity in the county to win the seat, the reality on the ground is different.The vocal politician's grassroots connections endeared her to the electorate as she was always available on the ground when needed.In the run up to the elections, Jumwa established a number of women's groups that were involved in various projects in the county. She also maintained a good relationship with them as they were always in constant communication.Jumwa also recruited a team of youth to spearhead her campaigns, and the foot soldiers did not disappoint as they traversed the constituency wooing residents to support her bid. When her seven male opponents discredited her ability arguing that the constituency was not ready for a female MP, the outgoing Women Rep was unmoved, and even became more energized.