Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, also Deputy Party Leader of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP‑K), has reignited internal tensions by calling for bold reforms to reposition the party as a national political force.
Speaking on July 29, 2025, Natembeya acknowledged a polarized mood within DAP‑K—between conservative members who oppose expansion and those championing a more inclusive, liberal direction. He said: “DAP‑K does not belong to me or the party leader; it belongs to the people,” adding that plans are underway to rebrand it beyond its Western Kenya roos.
Natembeya denied allegations of orchestrating a power grab or leading a coup to take control of the party. Instead, he portrayed his reform drive as a strategic effort to open DAP‑K’s doors to more communities ahead of the 2027 general election.
However, the fallout has been swift. An internal leadership dispute has escalated into formal petitions filed against both Eugene Wamalwa, the party leader, and Natembeya himself. Critics accuse Natembeya of undermining Wamalwa’s authority and using alternative structures like the Tawe Movement to rival DAP‑K. In response, the party’s Secretary‑General Dr. Eseli Simiyu confirmed that an Internal Dispute Resolution Mechanism (IDRM) team will be established to investiga
In a recent press briefing, Wamalwa reaffirmed commitment to due process, urging members to handle disputes democratically and without rancour. “Chama si ya mtu binafsi” (“The party does not belong to any one person”), he stated, warning against ego-driven politics.
Although Natembeya distanced himself from rumors of power lust, observers suggest the tensions stem from deeper generational and ideological divides—between established party leadership and a new wave of reform-minded Western Kenya politicians pushing for modernization ahead of looming electoral contest
The discord has already disrupted DAP‑K’s preparation for critical by‑elections in regions such as Ugunja and Malava. Party insiders fear that unless reconciliation is achieved, the rift could trigger defections or even splinter groups before the 2027 polls. A special National Executive Council meeting is now slated for later this month to deliberate on the IDRM report and chart the party’s path forward.
