DAP-K Accuses Natembeya of Attempting Hostile Takeover of Party

The Democratic Action Party – Kenya (DAP-K) has accused its Deputy Party Leader and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya of orchestrating a hostile takeover of the party’s leadership.

In a statement on Friday, August 1, the PG, led by Cherangany MP Patrick Simiyu Barasa, expressed concern over an alleged coordinated attempt by Natembeya and external forces to take control of the party from its current leadership, spearheaded by Eugene Wamalwa.

"Over the past three weeks, the Democratic Action Party - Kenya (DAP Kenya) Parliamentary Group (DAP-K PG) has become concerned by reports of a coordinated effort to destabilize DAP-K leadership through a hostile take-over. This nefarious scheme has been hatched by external forces through our Deputy Party Leader Governor Natembeya," the statement read.

The group pointed out that while Natembeya has publicly positioned himself as a defender of the people of Western Kenya, his recent actions appear to contradict those principles.

"Governor Natembeya, who has served as DAP-K Deputy Party Leader for two years and as Trans Nzoia Governor for three years, still holds two remaining years in both roles. While he has been parading as a democrat and a defender of the people of Western Kenya, what he has been doing is actually the opposite," the statement continued.

The MPs further pointed out that Natembeya has benefited from the party’s support throughout his political career, and warned that any unconstitutional takeover of the party will be met with resistance.

"The PG underscores that Governor Natembeya has consistently benefited from the full moral, political, and legal support of party leadership: This support has been evident through his Trans Nzoia gubernatorial campaign, two previous impeachment proceedings in the county assembly of Trans Nzoia, and most recently, his defense during corruption allegations. 

"Any effort by Governor Natembeya to launch an unconstitutional takeover of DAP Kenya—targeting Party Leader Hon. Eugene Wamalwa and the national leadership—will be met with resolute resistance. We are aware of his newly formed political party and caution him against attempts to destabilize DAP-K as he makes his exit," the statement further read.

The PG reaffirmed their support for Wamalwa and cautioned all party members against internal sabotage.

"We as the DAP-K Parliamentary Group have full confidence in the leadership of our Party Leader, the Hon. Eugene Wamalwa, who deserves full support from all party leaders and supporters, not acts of sabotage, especially at this pivotal time when the focus is on development issues targeting to improve the lives of our people," the statement read.

The group called for an urgent meeting of the party’s National Management Council (NMC) to address the crisis and determine the next course of action.

"We are hereby demanding for a National Management Council (NMC) meeting to be called and address this matter and the necessary drastic action," the statement concluded.

The PG also includes Luanda MP Dick Maungu Oyugi, Mumias East MP Peter Salasya and their Kiminini counterpart Maurice Kakai Bisau.