{
  "id": 6005244,
  "title": "Lesuuda breaks ranks with Azimio, backs Ruto",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/lesuuda-breaks-ranks-with-azimio-backs-ruto",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-06T17:24:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "People Daily Kenya",
    "slug": "people-daily-kenya",
    "url": "https://peopledaily.digital/inside-politics/lesuuda-breaks-ranks-with-azimio-backs-ruto"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Samburu West's representative in Parliament, Naisula Lesuuda, has switched allegiance from the Azimio coalition to back President William Ruto for the 2027 general election. The KANU legislator, who has been serving since 2017, announced her support during a thanksgiving service for Devolution Principal Secretary Michael Lenasalon in South Horr, Samburu County. Ruto was present at the ceremony, which also drew attendance from Samburu Governor Jonathan Lelelit and other leaders from northern Kenya.\n\nLesuuda explained that her switch was not driven by expectations of political favors, but rather by her belief in Ruto's government achievements. She highlighted the Social Health Authority (SHA) as a prime example of the government's positive impact, having witnessed its work firsthand. The MP also commended Ruto for including individuals from pastoralist communities in senior government positions, citing Lenasalon's appointment as Devolution Principal Secretary in April 2025 as a testament to such opportunities.\n\nIn dismissing allegations that supporters of Ruto were seeking political rewards, Lesuuda insisted that her decision was based on the government's proven track record. She urged leaders to focus on their work rather than seeking popularity, stating, \"Sometimes it’s easier to just lie to be popular, but what you're doing for Kenya continues to make a difference, Your Excellency.\"\n\nThe shift in Lesuuda's allegiance will likely have implications for the political landscape in northern Kenya ahead of the 2027 elections. The MP's endorsement of Ruto positions her alongside the president as key figures vying for support in the region. Moreover, Lesuuda's recent calls for intensified security operations in Samburu to facilitate the return of families displaced by banditry reflect her commitment to addressing critical issues affecting her constituents.",
  "summary": "Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda has broken ranks with the Azimio camp and declared her support for President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 general election. Lesuuda, a KANU legislator first elected in 2017 and re-elected in 2022, made the declaration on Sunday in South Horr, Samburu County, during a thanksgiving service for Devolution Principal […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Capital FM Kenya",
        "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",
        "published": "2026-09-06T11:46:19.000Z"
      },
      {
        "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."
}