Editor's Review

Governor George Natembeya has strongly denied claims he is orchestrating a hostile takeover of the DAP-K. 

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has strongly denied claims that he is orchestrating a hostile takeover of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) or planning to ditch it for a new political outfit.

During a press briefing on Friday, August 1, Natembeya dismissed allegations circulating within the party as baseless and fueled by internal rumour-mongering.

This comes after a petition was submitted by a section of DAP-K members, claiming that the governor had formed a separate political party.

“Let’s stop rumour mongering. Can they produce evidence if I have formed another party?” Natembeya posed, refuting the allegations.

Natembeya clarified that his push has been for a rebranding of DAP-K to strengthen its identity and appeal, not to abandon it. He emphasized that the party needs to evolve to remain relevant in Kenya’s shifting political landscape.

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“DAP-K is a very strong party. I want to rebrand it, make it better,” he added. “If I were to take over the party, I would have called you here and announced myself as the party leader.”

Natembeya further stated that members themselves should guide leadership decisions within the party.

“Members will decide which direction they want the party to take. Then they decide the right leadership to steer them in that direction,” he added.

DAP-K Party leader Eugene Wamalwa and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya

The governor's comments follow an escalating internal rift within the DAP-K, led by Party leader Eugene Wamalwa.

Wamalwa confirmed receiving a petition during a National Management Committee (NMC) meeting earlier in the week, alleging that Natembeya was operating outside the party's framework.

"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," A DAP-K statement read in part.

Wamalwa has, however, assured party members that DAP-K has structures to handle disputes.

“We are telling our members and supporters not to be troubled. We are handling these things, and we'll be able to resolve these disputes,” Wamalwa said.