President William Ruto on Friday pledged to support the former Gender and Culture Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa despite failing to nominate her for a cabinet position.
While addressing the residents of Kilifi County, the Head of State acknowledged Jumwa as a close political ally and vowed to heed her call.
Ruto lauded the former CS as a capable leader whose role in his administration was significant in driving the country forward.
The Head of State disclosed that a conversation had already been held about Jumwa's new role in working with the newly nominated cabinet secretaries from the coastal region.
“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 capable?” Ruto asked.
“I have decided to nominate Hassan Ali Joho to my government, let him come together with Aisha Jumwa and work together,” he added.
Jumwa while addressing the same rally, commended Ruto for granting her the opportunity to serve in his administration despite failing to reinstate her.
The former Gender and Culture CS similarly promised to work with the Head of State even as she commended Ruto's leadership.
"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," she added.
Meanwhile, President William Ruto's sentiments come hardly a day after a section of Kilifi residents staged demonstrations demanding the immediate reinstatement of Aisha 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.
“We urge the president to hear our cries and give Aisha Jumwa a post in his administration. In Kilifi county we voted for the president,” said one of the protesters.
