UDA Scores Major Political Boost as Former Jubilee Leaders Led by Maison Leshoomo Defect

UDA Scores Major Political Boost as Former Jubilee Leaders Led by Maison Leshoomo Defect

SAMBURU, Kenya – The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has strengthened its political foothold in Samburu County after former Samburu Woman Representative Maison Leshoomo officially defected from the Jubilee Party, joining President William Ruto’s political outfit alongside several other prominent local leaders in the latest wave of political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The high-profile defections were unveiled during a political event in Samburu County on Saturday, August 1, where Deputy President Kithure Kindiki formally welcomed the former Jubilee officials into the Kenya Kwanza coalition, describing their move as evidence of growing confidence in the government’s development agenda.

Leshoomo, one of the region’s most recognisable political figures, was accompanied by ten other politicians previously associated with opposition-aligned parties, marking one of the most significant political shifts in Samburu in recent months.

Addressing supporters during the event, Leshoomo explained that her political journey in Jubilee had been closely tied to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, saying his departure from active leadership within the party influenced her decision to seek a new political home.

“I was in Jubilee because of Uhuru Kenyatta. When Uhuru gave out Jubilee, I decided to leave. Let us go back to the government,” Leshoomo told supporters.

Her remarks underscore the continuing political reconfiguration taking place across the country as parties position themselves ahead of the next general election.

Among the leaders who crossed over alongside Leshoomo were former Samburu North Member of Parliament Alois Lentoimanga, Senate aspirant Lkitonga Lengolos, Suguta Ward MCA James Leleruk, Janet Lavasanti, and former Samburu County Assembly Deputy Speaker Adamson Lanyasunya.

The group joins a growing list of politicians who have recently aligned themselves with the ruling party as UDA intensifies grassroots mobilisation across different regions of the country.

Deputy President Kindiki described the defections as a significant milestone for the party, saying UDA remained open to leaders willing to support the government’s development agenda.

“Let us welcome Leshoomo to UDA and into Ruto’s government. Let us also welcome our former Governor Moses Lenolkulal to UDA. I want to take this opportunity to welcome you all to UDA,” Kindiki said.

Although the Deputy President welcomed former Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal, attention largely centred on Leshoomo, whose departure from Jubilee follows years of active involvement in the party’s leadership structures.

Only days before announcing her new political home, Leshoomo had formally resigned from the Jubilee Party and relinquished her role as Chairperson of the Jubilee Party National Women’s League.

In a resignation letter dated July 27, 2026, she informed the party that her decision had taken immediate effect.

“I hereby resign from the Jubilee Party and, consequently, from my position as Chairperson of the National Women’s League, with immediate effect,” the letter stated.

She further clarified that her resignation was voluntary and made in accordance with the Constitution and the Political Parties Act.

“The resignation is made voluntarily and without any coercion or undue influence,” she wrote while requesting the party to formally acknowledge receipt of her resignation.

Political analysts view the latest defections as part of an increasingly competitive race among political parties to consolidate regional support before the official campaign period begins.

UDA has in recent months intensified recruitment efforts across counties where opposition parties have traditionally enjoyed significant influence, with senior government leaders frequently touring the country to court elected leaders and grassroots officials.

For Jubilee, Leshoomo’s exit represents another setback as the former ruling party continues to navigate internal restructuring following the end of former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure.

The party has experienced a steady stream of defections since the 2022 General Election, with several former officials choosing to join either the ruling coalition or emerging opposition formations.

For UDA, however, the Samburu developments are likely to be viewed as a strategic gain in the battle for influence across northern Kenya.

As political alignments continue to shift nationwide, leaders are increasingly positioning themselves ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive 2027 election cycle.

The latest wave of defections illustrates the fluid nature of Kenya’s political landscape, where alliances continue to evolve as parties seek to strengthen their grassroots networks, expand regional influence and improve their chances in the next General Election.

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UDA Scores Major Political Boost as Former Jubilee Leaders Led by Maison Leshoomo Defect