{
  "id": 5970332,
  "title": "Lesuuda breaks ranks with Azimio, throws weight behind Ruto",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/lesuuda-breaks-ranks-with-azimio-throws-weight-behind-ruto",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-06T11:46:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Capital FM Kenya",
    "slug": "capital-fm-kenya",
    "url": "https://capitalfm.africa/lesuuda-breaks-ranks-with-azimio-throws-weight-behind-ruto/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nairobi, Kenya – Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda has defected from the Azimio coalition and pledged her support for President William Ruto, citing the government's achievements in her constituency as the reason for her switch. This political realignment occurs as Lesuuda, who had previously been the \"last one\" in Samburu to join Ruto's camp, declared her allegiance during the President's visit to the county, signaling a significant shift ahead of the 2027 General Election. Lesuuda, who had resisted pressure from Azimio leaders to defect, affirmed her decision was not a result of political bargaining, but rather a recognition of the administration's development record. She praised the government for upgrading a hospital to a referral facility, appointing local residents to senior government positions, and implementing other projects that benefit the people of Samburu. Lesuuda's endorsement provides a boost to Ruto's political standing in the region as he strives to consolidate support ahead of the next presidential election. Her shift from the Azimio coalition, which she had previously been associated with, also comes amid increasing repositioning of political leaders ahead of the 2027 election, with allegiance to the government becoming a crucial factor for elected officials seeking to demonstrate their record of achievement to their constituents.",
  "summary": "Lesuuda, who said she had been the “last one” in Samburu to join Ruto’s camp, made the declaration during the President’s visit to the county",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "People Daily Kenya",
        "title": "Lesuuda demands more action from Ruto over insecurity in Samburu",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/lesuuda-demands-more-action-from-ruto-over-insecurity-in-samburu",
        "published": "2026-09-06T14:34:42.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}