A leadership wrangle is brewing within the Democratic Action Party–Kenya (DAP–K), as members of the parliamentary group warn Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya against attempts at a hostile takeover of the party’s leadership.
Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau and Mumias East MP Peter Salasya, speaking at Parliament Buildings, reaffirmed their support for Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa, stating that no leader should undermine his authority.
Bisau raised concerns over what he described as deliberate efforts to destabilise the party from external forces, allegedly channeled through Natembeya, who has served as DAP–K’s Deputy Party Leader for the past three years.
“Natembeya has consistently benefited from the full moral, political, and legal support of the party. This support was evident during his gubernatorial campaigns, two impeachment attempts, and even the recent corruption allegations he faced,” said Bisau.
The Kiminini MP noted that DAP–K is the fifth largest political party in the country and has remained consistent in its stance against corruption, social injustice, and human rights violations. He said the party would not allow destabilisation by individuals with ulterior motives.
Bisau added that before engaging in alliances with other parties, DAP–K must first strengthen internal cohesion and unity to build a formidable coalition capable of capturing power in the next general election.
Salasya, on his part, questioned how Natembeya intends to grow the party while missing critical leadership meetings, suggesting that such behaviour undermines the very party that helped him rise politically.
“While I harbour presidential ambitions, I would never attempt to undermine Wamalwa, who is our leader. When the time is right, we will agree amicably on who will be our presidential flag bearer. We don’t need to destroy our house in the process,” said Salasya.
The Mumias East legislator accused Natembeya of holding multiple political meetings across Western Kenya without mentioning DAP–K, despite holding the position of Deputy Party Leader. He claimed the governor was instead focused on popularising his own Tawe movement.
In response, Natembeya, speaking recently in Nairobi, downplayed the tensions, framing them as a natural clash between conservative and progressive factions within the party.
“The little noise you’re hearing in the party is between those who want DAP–K to remain confined to Western Kenya and those who want to give it a national outlook. There are no factions—the party doesn’t belong to me or the Party Leader; it belongs to the members,” said Natembeya.
