The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has scored another political win in Samburu after former Woman Representative Maison Leshoomo abandoned the Jubilee Party and joined the ruling outfit alongside 10 other opposition-allied leaders, handing President William Ruto's camp a fresh boost ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Leshoomo was officially received into UDA by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during a political event in Maralal on Saturday, August 1.
The former Jubilee Party National Executive Committee member said her decision to quit the party followed former President Uhuru Kenyatta's exit from its leadership.
"I was in Jubilee because of Uhuru Kenyatta. When Uhuru gave out Jubilee, I decided to leave. Let us go back to the government," she said.
Among the leaders who also crossed over to UDA were former Samburu North MP Alois Lentoimanga, Samburu Senate aspirant Lkitonga Lengolos, Suguta Ward MCA James Leleruk, Janet Lavasanti and former Samburu County Assembly Deputy Speaker Adamson Lanyasunya.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki addressing Maralal residents in Samburu on August 1, 2026.
PHOTO/DPCS
Kindiki welcomed the defectors, saying their decision reflected growing support for President William Ruto's administration.
"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.
Leshoomo's move comes just days after she resigned from the Jubilee Party and stepped down as Chairperson of the Jubilee Party National Women's League.
In a resignation letter dated July 27, 2026, she said the decision was voluntary and made in line with the Constitution and the Political Parties Act.
"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 added that the resignation was made without any coercion or undue influence and requested the party to acknowledge receipt of her resignation as required by law.
The latest defections add to a growing wave of political realignments as UDA continues to expand its support base in Samburu and other parts of the country ahead of the 2027 polls.
Residents of Maralal, Samburu during Deputy President Kithure Kindiki visit on August 1, 2026.
PHOTO/DPCS