Human rights advocate Dr Josephine Kulea, once praised by former US President Barack Obama for championing the rights of women and girls, has officially made her political debut under the UDA party.
Kulea has declared her intention to vie for the position of Woman Representative for Samburu County.
Her entry into the race has drawn significant attention, given her long-standing reputation as a grassroots advocate for marginalised communities in northern Kenya.
Her bid was formally received at the UDA party headquarters in Nairobi, where UDA national vice chair Kelvin Lunani welcomed her into the party.
Lunani used the occasion to rally women across the country to step forward and seek elective positions in the upcoming general election, saying their voices are critical in shaping inclusive governance.
Kulea said her decision to join politics was driven by a desire to expand the impact of her work beyond advocacy and into policy-making and legislation.
She pledged to bring to the political arena a wealth of experience in community development, advocacy, and transformative leadership gained over decades of working with vulnerable communities.
“I am passionate about creating opportunities for women and youth, ensuring they have equal access to resources and opportunities for growth,” she said.
She further expressed her deep commitment to serving the people of Samburu, calling on residents to walk with her as she seeks to advance empowerment and sustainable development in the county.
Throughout her illustrious career, Kulea has made significant strides in improving the lives of marginalised communities across Samburu County.
She is best known for her long-running advocacy for the rights of women and children, particularly her bold stand against female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage among pastoralist communities.
Her courage in challenging century-old traditions has earned her numerous accolades at local, regional, and international levels.
In 2015, her unparalleled contribution to the protection and development of the girl child was publicly lauded by former US President Barack Obama during his visit to Kenya, a moment that thrust her work onto the global stage and highlighted her unwavering dedication to uplifting vulnerable populations.
Kulea is the founder and executive director of the Samburu Girls Foundation (SGF), an organisation that rescues, shelters, educates, and empowers girls fleeing harmful cultural practices in northern Kenya, especially among the Samburu community.
Through the foundation, hundreds of girls have been protected, rehabilitated, and supported to return to school, giving them a chance at a better future.
Her entry into politics comes as UDA records a surge in interest from aspirants ahead of the next general election. The party has so far attracted 9,165 aspirants seeking party tickets to contest various elective seats.
UDA has said the registration of aspirants remains ongoing and will continue until the statutory deadline of 90 days before the general election date, in line with electoral laws.
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