The Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) has moved to quell internal wrangles by setting up a special committee to resolve the dispute between party leader Eugene Wamalwa and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
Natembeya, who also serves as the party’s leader, has in recent weeks faced accusations of plotting a hostile takeover of the party.
In a statement on Tuesday, August 12, the party’s top leadership announced the creation of a mediation team to address the matter.
“In line with the recommendations of the Party's National Management committee, the National Executive Council (NEC) has constituted a nine-member Internal Dispute Resolution Committee (IDRC) to decisively and impartially address emerging disputes within the party,” the statement read.
Following the formation of the committee, the NEC said focus would now shift to strengthening the party’s structures and mobilizing support.
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"The NEC further resolved to uphold peace, strengthen stability, and focus our full energy on the impending by-elections fielding strong, credible candidates and rallying the entire party machinery to deliver resounding victories," the statement continued.
DAP-K reaffirmed its commitment to law and its constitution, emphasising that these principles would continue to guide its actions and advance the party’s service to its members.
"As a truly democratic party, we reaffirm our unshakable commitment to the rule of law and the supremacy of our party constitution. These principles shall continue to guide our actions, sustain our unity, and drive DAP–K to greater heights in service to our members and the nation,” the statement concluded.
On Friday, August 1, DAP-K Parliamentary Group accused Natembeya of orchestrating a hostile takeover of the party’s leadership.
In a statement, 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 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 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.
Natembeya later defended himself, dismissing the allegations circulating within the party as baseless and fueled by internal rumour-mongering.
"Let’s stop rumour mongering. Can they produce evidence if I have formed another party? DAP-K is a very strong party. I want to rebrand it, make it better. If I were to take over the party, I would have called you here and announced myself as the party leader," he said.
