You must create your own space in politics
No meeting worth its salt by Inua Mama Kenya Women Group ends without the gravelly voice of Aisha Jumwa Katana.
Interestingly, Aisha does not have many years in the politics of Kenya, but her strength is not marked by period but relevance.
Aisha is proud of her loud voice, knowledge of Swahili sayings/proverbs and great interpersonal skills that enable her to interact with top leaders and the local mwananchi with ease.
Her political star shone when she won the seat of Kilifi Women Representative under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, and courageously later won the seat for Member of Parliament (MP) Malindi.
A popular saying, she used in a political rally – kiuno kina kazi yake – is used in conversations in Kenya, and has made her brand with journalists looking out for catchy sound bytes from her speeches.
ODM attempted to kick her out of the party after she become a rebel and she made the process murky. The party finally expelled her but she clearly made her feelings known.
One day during a burial, Aisha grabbed the microphone from ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna to the shock of all present, except her, and told Sifuna to seek for a political platform to speak instead of politicizing a burial. Off course, Sifuna was speaking about the expulsion of Aisha from ODM.
She strongly speaks for the Deputy President William Ruto, defending him and supporting his 2022 Presidential bid without fear.
She said the TangaTanga team is moving around the country empowering and bringing development to the people, and that is great for the nation.
The inter-webs are rife with stories of her divorcing the husband, and her refusing to return the dowry, but this does not shake this lioness in the world of politics.
- Mother of three
- Born in 1975
- Served as KANU youth leader
- JKUAT Graduate
- Father composed political songs
