Blow to Uhuru Kenyatta's Jubilee as members defect to UDA
By Kai Eli · Tuko Politics
Former Samburu Woman Rep Maison Leshoomo defects to UDA, citing Uhuru Kenyatta's exit from Jubilee as she joins 10 fellow politicians in political realignment.
Former Samburu woman representative Maison Leshoomo officially defected to the ruling United Democratic Alliance party
Leshoomo was among 11 Jubilee-allied politicians received by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in Samburu County
Leshoomo cited former President Uhuru Kenyatta's departure from Jubilee as her reason for crossing over to UDA
Search option is now available at TUKO! Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner ;)
Former Samburu Woman Representative Maison Leshoomo has defected to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), joining a wave of opposition-aligned politicians crossing over to the ruling party ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki receiving defectors from Jubilee. Photo: Kithure Kindiki. Source: Twitter Deputy President Kithure Kindiki received Leshoomo and 10 other former Jubilee Party figures during a political gathering in Maralal, Samburu County, on Saturday, 1 August 2026.
Addressing the crowd at the event, Leshoomo cited former President Uhuru Kenyatta's exit from Jubilee as the primary reason for her departure. She said her loyalty had always been tied to Kenyatta personally, not to the party structure, and that once he relinquished control, there was no compelling reason for her to remain.
James Orengo hails Aisha Jumwa as Raila's 'daughter' after ditching uda: "I believe he's happy"
Other politicians who crossed the floor from Jubilee to UDA at the same event include 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.
Kindiki hailed the defections as a reflection of growing public confidence in President William Ruto's administration, describing the new members as part of a broader national realignment behind the Kenya Kwanza government.
The Deputy President also tied the defections to the government's ongoing development agenda, saying UDA's expansion in previously marginalised regions reflected the administration's commitment to equitable progress.
Kithure Kindiki in Uganda to represent William Ruto amid reports of strained relationship
The Samburu defections mark the latest in a string of political realignments that have seen several Jubilee-allied figures shift allegiance to the ruling party as the 2027 campaign period draws closer.
Kai Eli (Politics and current affairs editor)
Eli Kai is currently working with TUKO as a politics and current affairs editor. He has six years of experience in digital journalism. Eli joined Tuko.co.ke in 2021. Email: eli.odaga@tuko.co.ke