Natembeya Threatens to Leave DAP-K Over Party Wrangles
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has hinted at leaving the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) if the party’s leadership continues to reject internal reforms he has proposed.
While speaking about the current situation within the party and his position, Natembeya stated that he still holds the party dear, especially because he played a key role in founding it.
However, he made it clear that the party must urgently undergo reforms to become a more inclusive and nationally recognized political movement.
Natembeya, who also serves as the party’s deputy leader, warned that if the reforms he is pushing for continue to be blocked, he might be forced to take a different political path. He emphasized that Kenya is a democratic country and he has the right to either join another party or even form a new one.
“The political space is open. Kenya is a democracy. I can create my own party or join another one because we must get it right,” he said. Natembeya added that he has been consistently proposing meaningful changes to help DAP-K grow, but the leadership under Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa has been rejecting those suggestions.
The governor now wants the party leadership to come out clearly and explain why his proposals are being turned down and who exactly is behind the opposition to his ideas.
“As things stand, I don’t see how my vision and plans can be fulfilled within the current state of the party,” Natembeya remarked.
The fallout between Natembeya and the party’s top leadership began when he encouraged DAP-K to undergo a rebranding process and to grow its influence beyond its current stronghold in Western Kenya. However, some party members viewed his calls as divisive and disruptive.
The situation quickly escalated, with a faction within the party going as far as filing a petition demanding that Natembeya be expelled from DAP-K. In response, the party leadership led by Wamalwa convened a crisis meeting to address the issue.
The matter was eventually forwarded to the party’s National Executive Council, which assigned it to the disciplinary committee for review.
Despite the ongoing tension, both Natembeya and Wamalwa have attempted to downplay the internal differences, describing them as normal disagreements that happen in any political party.
On August 1, Wamalwa addressed the issue publicly and advised Natembeya against exiting the party. He challenged him instead to remain and compete fairly if he’s interested in the party’s presidential ticket.
“My brother George Natembeya, there’s no need to leave or attempt to stage a coup within our party, DAP-Kenya, in order to become the Party Leader or Presidential candidate. You are free to challenge me for the presidential ticket through fair and open nominations,” Wamalwa said.
The growing tensions within DAP-K continue to raise questions about the party’s stability and future, especially as both leaders seek to solidify their political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections.
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