Aisha Jumwa In Tears During Parliament Vetting [VIDEO]

Public Service Cabinet Secretary (CS) nominee Aisha Jumwa broke down while facing the vetting committee at the National Assembly.

She was narrating her troubled background in her rise to prominence on Tuesday, October 18 when she was reduced to tears.

Jumwa narrated how her parents had struggled to provide for her as well as her 27 siblings.

"My parents were poor, they used to struggle to provide for me," Jumwa stated in hesitation as she broke down in tears. 

Aisha Jumwa breaks down during vetting as she narrates her difficult childhood. #TV47News pic.twitter.com/xISbbqALYy — TV47 (@tv47ke) October 18, 2022

"Compose yourself, we have all walked the same journey, don't worry," National Assembly speaker Moses Wetangula stated.

She also disclosed that her net worth is at Ksh100 million, which she derives from pensions in Parliament.

Early Life & Education

The MP was born in the Kilifi South constituency, Kilifi county on March 23, 1975. Jumwa, who was once referred to as Mekatilli wa Menza by his political mentor turned foe Raila Odinga, is a second born in a family of five.

She fell pregnant when she was in Form Two but that did not halt her from chasing her dreams. She was inspired to enter the murky world of politics by her father who campaigned for the area councillor (now known as MCAs) through dance and song.

"Little did I know that I found early marriage. In that union, I became a mother. This is one of the practices that must be curbed especially for underage children."

"I was not content to be a housewife so I took a keen interest in matters affecting communities and became a vocal voice for the vulnerable, that's when I decided to join active politics to make a change in society through policy-making," she noted. 

Jumwa went to Takanga Primary school and Murray Secondary School for her O-levels but dropped out to nurse her first child while in Form Two. She then joined Ganze Secondary School and Nyali Senior School then to Jomo Kenyatta University for Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) for Technology for a Certificate in County Governance and later a Degree in Commerce from the same institution.

She worked in a construction company in Kilifi known as Kaseru Enterprises. Her first stint in politics was when she was a KANU party youth winger and went on to be elected as Takaunga ward councillor from 1997-2007.

She lost her seat in 2007 when the ODM wave swept the Coast region. From 2005 to 2007, Aisha was the chairperson of the Kilifi Town Council.

National Assembly Deputy-Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei was moved by Jumwa's narration as she also admitted to holding back her tears.

"I was also holding back tears when I listened to your tears every time I hear it and I have heard it many times. That's an amazing journey," she noted.

Does Aisha Jumwa Own A Gun? 

Jumwa was challenged to clarify her ownership of a firearm, owing to a murder case against her which took a new twist moments ago after the prosecution told the Mombasa High Court that the family of the deceased - Michael Ngumbao Jola - requested to settle the matter out of court.

"I don't own a gun and I have never applied for a gun. My cases were politically instigated and the DPP dropped the case on misappropriation of funds.

"In the murder trial, I empathise with the family because it is unfortunate. I am clear in my mind I never shot anyone, I am not a gun holder. Three witnesses have testified in court and have not mentioned my name anywhere. I am innocent per the Constitution," she affirmed.