Kilifi Women Rep Aisha Jumwa during one of her recent campaign rallies in Malindi. [Photo: Amason Kingi/ facebook.com]
Kilifi Women Representative Aisha Jumwa could only be days away from being declared the newly-elected Malindi constituency MP after deciding not to defend her seat.
The self-declared ODM commander-in-chief in Malindi who trounced the incumbent, MP William Mtengo, during the ODM nominations is now in full control of the crowded race, thanks to the Orange party's dominance in the county.According to the fiery Jumwa, her decision to leave the Women Rep seat for the constituency position was motivated by her desire to battle it out with men; a move she says will give her a different experience and platform to serve the people."I came to Malindi in order to compete against men and women alike and change the mentality that the constituency seat is a preserve of men among the Mijikenda," Jumwa told Kwachocha residents as quoted by the Nation.She added that her move not to defend her seat was aimed at nurturing other women into political leadership.Already, Kibarani Ward MCA Gertrude Mbeyu is in line to replace her after she clinched the ODM party ticket during the nominations.As to whether Jumwa will beat the six men in the race to clinch the Malindi MP seat remains to be seen. However, for Mtengo, a win for Jumwa will make him make join the history books as one of the shortest serving MPs in Kenya.