Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has launched a fresh attack on former Cabinet colleague Aisha Jumwa, days after she quit the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and signalled a new political direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking in Mombasa on Saturday, August 15, Duale claimed he used to assist Jumwa in reading and understanding Cabinet papers when the two served together in President William Ruto’s administration.
Duale said he sat next to Jumwa during Cabinet meetings and would help her go through documents presented to Cabinet.
“I saw one of your daughters has lost direction. I have sat with her in the Cabinet. I used to sit beside her during meetings. Even reading the Cabinet paper was a big challenge for her,” Duale said.
The Health CS further claimed that Jumwa sometimes struggled to explain the contents of Cabinet papers during meetings, saying he would intervene to assist her.
“I used to help her to read the Cabinet paper, reading on her behalf. I used to feel ashamed,” Duale added.
Duale’s remarks come against the backdrop of Jumwa’s decision to leave UDA, the ruling party she joined ahead of the 2022 General Election.
Jumwa announced her resignation on July 30, 2026, saying the decision followed months of reflection, prayer and consultations.
She also cited frustrations surrounding her political ambitions, particularly her push to contest the Kilifi governorship in 2027.
Her exit has since triggered speculation about her next political move, with opposition leaders already seeking to bring her into their camp.
Wiper Patriotic Front leaders have held discussions with Jumwa, with Senator Enoch Wambua and Wundanyi MP Danson Mwashako among those who have publicly welcomed her departure from UDA.
The opposition has argued that her experience inside the Kenya Kwanza administration could be valuable ahead of the 2027 elections.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has also shown interest in Jumwa, with reports indicating that he has proposed her for a senior position in the party as political formations position themselves ahead of the next election.
Jumwa is meanwhile positioning herself for another attempt at the Kilifi governor’s seat, having unsuccessfully contested the position in the 2022 election.
Duale’s latest comments add another dimension to the political fallout following her departure from UDA, particularly given that the two politicians previously served in Ruto’s Cabinet.
The remarks also come as political parties and leaders intensify efforts to consolidate support at the Coast, a region expected to play a significant role in the 2027 presidential and gubernatorial contests.
While Duale focused on his recollection of Jumwa’s performance in Cabinet, her political departure has broader implications for UDA’s influence at the Coast, where Jumwa has maintained a significant political profile.