The festive season has taken a somber turn for former Gender, Culture, and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa following the passing of her mother.
Mama Fatuma Khadija Baitani passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2025, leaving a cloud of grief over the Jumwa family and the larger Kilifi community. The news was confirmed by the former CS through her social media platforms, where she shared a moving tribute to the woman she described as her “pillar of strength.”
“A Void That Can Never Be Filled”
In a heartfelt post, Jumwa – the firebrand politician expressed the deep personal loss her family is experiencing.
“It is with heavy hearts and humble acceptance of God’s will that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Mama Fatuma Khadija Baitani. She was not just a mother to me but a guiding light to our entire family,” Jumwa stated.
The former CS credited her mother for shaping the resilient character she is known for in the Kenyan political arena. Despite the high-octane nature of her career, Jumwa often retreated to her rural roots in Malindi, where she shared a close and visible bond with her matriarch.
As news of the demise spread, leaders from across the political spectrum set aside their differences to send messages of comfort to the Jumwa family. From her colleagues in the Kenya Kwanza administration to her former rivals in the Coast region, the consensus was clear: Mama Fatuma was a woman of substance who raised a formidable leader.
Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro was among the first to send his sympathies, noting that the community had lost a respected elder. Members of the National Assembly and the Senate have also been sending their tributes, highlighting the impact of the loss during a time when families typically gather for end-of-year celebrations.
