Public Service and Gender Cabinet Secretary nominee Aisha Jumwa on Tuesday, October 18, broke down before the National Assembly vetting committee as she detailed her troubled humble background and rise to prominence.
During her introductory remarks, she detailed how her parents struggled to provide for her and her 27 siblings.
"My parents were poor, they used to struggle to provide for me," Jumwa hesitated as she broke down in tears.
"Compose yourself, we have all walked the same journey, don't worry," National Assembly speaker Moses Wetangula stated.
Jumwa noted that she had to drop out of secondary school owing to lack of school fees. The former Malindi MP narrated how she was also forced into early marriage while under age.
The politician added that such practices ought to be abolished as such girls deserved an opportunity to get quality education and job opportunities.
"I went to a local primary school from 1983 to 1991 and thereafter, joined Ganze secondary school. Regrettably, I had to drop out due to lack of school fees. I have touched a little bit about my family and that explains our struggles. So, I was at home and there were no prospects to expand my horizon."
"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 contested in 1997 and was elected as a chairperson of Kilifi town council- a position she served for five years and was re-elected for another term.
National Assembly Deputy-Speaker Gladys Boss was also touched 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.
During the vetting process, Jumwa revealed that she has a net worth of Ksh100 million.
