Ruto lauded the former CS as a capable leader whose role in his administration was significant in driving the country forward.
President William Ruto on Friday, July 26 vowed to support former Gender and Culture Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aisha Jumwa, even though he did not consider her when he recalled some of her former colleagues to his new-look Cabinet.
Speaking after laying the foundation for the Watamu Market in Kilifi County, the Head of State viewed Jumwa as an important political ally, and thus promised not to abandon her.
Ruto lauded the former CS as a capable leader whose role in his administration was significant in driving the country forward.
The President disclosed that Jumwa will play an important role in working with the newly-nominated Cabinet Secretaries in the development of the Coastal region, among them being former Mombasa Governor, Ali Hassan Joho.
Former CS Aisha Jumwa during vetting in Parliament on October 18, 2022. /FILE
“I will not leave Aisha Jumwa behind, she is my sister and we will walk together, I will not leave her behind. Isn’t she a woman of power?” Ruto asked.
“I have decided to nominate Hassan Ali Joho to my government, let him come together with Aisha Jumwa and work together.”
On her part, Jumwa thanked Ruto for granting her the opportunity to serve the country in his dissolved Cabinet and would continue to be grateful despite failing to make a comeback to Ruto’s Cabinet.
The former Gender and Culture CS similarly promised to work with the Head of State even as she commended Ruto’s leadership, appealing to residents to give Ruto’s administration their support.
“He allowed me to serve the people of Kenya and I am grateful for that and I will continue to be thankful. I believe in Ruto because what he sees while sitting I can’t figure while standing,” Aisha Jumwa commented.
“I want to thank him for nominating my brother Ali Hassan Joho and Salim Mvurya into his government. I have no problem with that. Let us all support the president.”
Ruto’s sentiments came hardly a day after a section of Kilifi residents staged demonstrations demanding the immediate reinstatement of Jumwa.
The protesters while expressing their fury, faulted President Ruto for failing to recognize their support for Ruto’s administration. The residents called on Ruto to reconsider his take and nominate the former minister to a government post.
On Sunday, July 21, youth in Kilifi however opposed Jumwa’s remarks hinting at being reappointed to Ruto’s Executive arm of government.
Jumwa had broken her silence for the first time since she was dismissed alongside her 20 former colleagues by the Head of State, who announced the dissolution of his entire Cabinet on Thursday, July 11.
President William Ruto at State House on July 5, 2024. /PCS