Police Probe Aisha Jumwa After Alleged Assault on Ruth Bendera at Kilifi Funeral
Kenya Roads Board Chairperson Aisha Jumwa is now under police investigation after she allegedly slapped the National Government Affirmative Action Director, Ruth Bendera, during a funeral event in Kaloleni, Kilifi County.
The incident, which reportedly took place on Saturday, November 15, has drawn widespread criticism from local residents and triggered fresh political tensions in the area.
According to reports, Bendera filed a formal complaint at the Kilifi Police Station shortly after the altercation. Kilifi sub-county police commander Stanley Tanui confirmed that the complaint was indeed lodged and officers have begun looking into the matter to establish what exactly transpired.
The alleged assault has sparked anger among residents, many of whom accuse Jumwa of repeatedly causing unnecessary drama during public gatherings, especially funerals.
Several locals spoke out strongly, saying they were tired of leaders displaying violent behavior instead of setting a good example.
One youth said, “We, as young people, refuse to tolerate leaders who embrace violence. What happened was wrong and unacceptable.” Another resident added, “Aisha Jumwa’s actions toward Bendera were disrespectful. Bendera is not even politically powerful compared to her, so what was the need for such aggression?”
Bendera believes that the tension between her and Jumwa stems from their political differences as the 2027 elections draw closer.
The two leaders reportedly enjoyed a good working relationship in the past, but that bond weakened significantly in recent months, particularly after Jumwa was appointed the non-executive chairperson of the Kenya Roads Board.
President William Ruto appointed Jumwa to the position through a Gazette notice dated January 17, giving her a three-year term starting from the date of appointment.
Many analysts viewed the appointment as a political reward for Jumwa’s loyalty and consistent support for the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Meanwhile, Bendera, who is believed to be eyeing the Kilifi Woman Representative seat in 2027, has openly accused Jumwa of turning against her despite investing time, resources, and support in her previous political campaigns.
Their fallout became more public earlier this month when a viral video showed Bendera addressing a crowd in Kilifi and insisting that she owed nothing to Jumwa.
In the video, Bendera stated, “My sister Aisha Jumwa, stop saying you gave me a job. We owe each other nothing. I used my cars and my money to campaign for you, and that is how you got your Ministry position.”
She went further, highlighting that although they supported each other in the past, Jumwa only pushed for her to secure a minor board position earning Ksh10,500 instead of the Nominated Senator post they had earlier discussed.
The latest incident adds a new layer to the ongoing political rivalry between the two leaders, and with police now investigating the alleged assault, the matter could escalate further as Kilifi residents continue to demand accountability and respectful leadership.
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