NAIROBI, Kenya — The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has welcomed renowned humanitarian and Samburu girls’ rights advocate Dr Josephine Kulea as a new life member, marking a notable political shift in Samburu County ahead of the party’s inaugural Aspirants Forum.
UDA confirmed that Dr Kulea, the founder of the Samburu Girls Foundation, officially defected from the Devolution Empowerment Party (DAP) on Tuesday, a day before the high-profile UDA Aspirants Forum scheduled to be held at State House.
She was received into the party by UDA National Vice Chairperson Kelvin Lunani, who said her entry reflected the ruling party’s growing appeal among community leaders and reform-minded actors at the grassroots.
Dr Kulea is widely known for her long-running advocacy against female genital mutilation (FGM), early marriage, and gender-based violence in northern Kenya, particularly among pastoralist communities in Samburu.
Her move to UDA comes as the party intensifies efforts to consolidate political influence in Samburu County ahead of the 2027 General Election, where competition among national parties has been steadily increasing.
Party officials said the timing of her defection signals UDA’s intention to broaden its support base beyond elected leaders by courting civil society figures with deep community credibility.
UDA has in recent weeks rolled out grassroots mobilisation activities, including aspirant registration and internal forums, as part of a strategy to institutionalise party structures and manage competition for nominations.
Analysts say Dr Kulea’s entry could reshape local political dynamics in Samburu, where development, marginalisation, and gender justice remain central campaign issues.
Her defection also comes amid wider political realignments as parties position themselves following shifts within opposition coalitions and the continued consolidation of the broad-based government.
