January 9, 2026

Coast to exit ODM if Hassan Joho is not made party leader; Aisha Jumwa warns

Coast to exit ODM if Hassan Joho is not made party leader; Aisha Jumwa warns

Coast to exit ODM if Hassan Joho is not made party leader; Aisha Jumwa warns

Former Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa has issued a warning to the ODM Party, cautioning that the Coast region could chart a new political course if Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho is not elevated to the party’s top leadership. 

Speaking on Thursday, January 8, she argued that the Coast region has consistently supported Raila Odinga and ODM, even surpassing traditional strongholds.

Jumwa added that Joho’s investment in the party warrants recognition at the highest level.

“In 2017, the Coast region delivered more seats and votes to Raila Odinga and the ODM Party; even Nyanza did not match us. Hassan Joho has invested a lot of time and resources in ODM. 

“If the ODM leadership is not given to Joho, we people of the Coast will have to champion another political pathway, and we will not be afraid. Joho has everything it takes to be a party leader,” she said.

Ida Odinga calls for order in ODM amidst party tensions

It will not be me to wreck ODM – Senator Sifuna declares

Kenyan filmmaker in BBC’s Blood Parliament documentary dies

Government to deploy multi-agency drug crackdown teams in 5 key locations

At the same time, Jumwa acknowledged the role Raila has played in mentoring and shaping leaders from the Coast, expressing gratitude and respect for his guidance.

“Raila mentored and shaped many of us into the leaders we are today. He nurtured us, gave us direction, and for that we remain deeply grateful, even in his absence,” she added.

Jumwa called on Coast leaders to put aside internal differences, unite around a shared vision, and consider building a political vehicle that can advance common interests.

“I now kindly urge all Coastal leaders to rise above divisions, unite our people, and pursue a shared purpose. It is time we come together to build our own political vehicle, one that advances a common regional agenda and speaks with one strong, united voice,” she concluded.

Elsewhere, earlier Wednesday, ODM Party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna issued an assurance that he will not be the person responsible for dividing the party.

He stated that he had previously pledged, during Raila Odinga’s burial, that he would not be the one to destroy ODM, and reaffirmed that commitment. 

Sifuna stressed that he remains open to engaging with any party member, regardless of past disagreements or personal insults, in the interest of unity.

Opposition raises concerns after Jose Carmago allegedly spotted at State House

Plot to kill Burkina Faso leader Ibrahim Traoré foiled, says junta

Government blocks licence renewals for foreign doctors

KUCCPS announces application window for KMTC March intake

Senator Sifuna holds meeting Oburu Oginga amid ODM infighting

Follow us

FaceBook

Telegram