Aisha Jumwa Under Probe After Alleged Assault on Affirmative Action Director in Kilifi

By Ben Okweingoti, Kilifi 

Kenya Roads Board Chairperson Aisha Jumwa is facing investigations after allegedly assaulting National Government Affirmative Action Director Ruth Bendera during a funeral in Kaloleni, Kilifi County, on Saturday.

Kilifi Sub County Police Commander Stanley Tanui confirmed that Bendera filed a formal complaint at the Kilifi Police Station on Saturday evening.

The incident has stirred political tension in the county, with residents accusing Jumwa of fueling violence at funerals attended by her political opponents.

Speaking from her home in Kilifi Town, Bendera recounted that after delivering her condolence message at the funeral of Mzee Kitsao Jogolo in Jibana, she sat near Jumwa, who allegedly began hurling insults before twisting her arm and slapping her.

“I was seated after giving my condolences when she started insulting me. As I stood to leave, she grabbed my arm, twisted it, and slapped me. Her supporters followed me to my car but were stopped by security officers. I later recorded a statement at the police station,” Bendera said.

Local residents, among them Hadija Mohamed and Hassan Nyale, condemned the incident and urged authorities to expedite investigations, warning that political violence would not be tolerated.

Nyale criticized Jumwa’s alleged conduct, saying youth in Kilifi would reject attempts to use them to fuel tensions. Hadija added that Jumwa’s behavior was tarnishing women’s leadership in the county and across the country.

“Her actions are unacceptable. She must change her behavior or risk losing her political credibility,” Hadija said.