DAP-K faction accuses Natembeya of plotting hostile takeover of the party
By Aloys Michael, August 1, 2025A major political storm is brewing inside the Democratic Action Party–Kenya (DAP-K), with its Parliamentary Group (PG) accusing Deputy Party Leader and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya of orchestrating a hostile takeover of the party’s leadership.
In a fiery press statement released on X by the faction’s leader, Eugene Wamalwa, on Friday, August 1, 2025, the DAP-K faction said that Natembeya, once seen as a key pillar in the party, has now turned rogue, plotting an unconstitutional takeover to unseat Wamalwa.
“This nefarious scheme has been hatched by external forces through our Deputy Party Leader, Governor Natembeya,” read the statement, jointly signed by four DAP-K MPs, including PG Whip Maurice Kakai Bisau.
“While he has been parading as a democrat and a defender of the people of Western Kenya, what he has been doing is the opposite.”
The DAP-K MPs who signed the statement are Patrick Simiyu Barasa (Cherangany), Dick Maungu Oyugi (Luanda), Peter Kalewa Salasya (Mumias East), and Maurice Kakai Bisau (Kiminini).
The group claims that Natembeya has launched or is linked to a newly formed political outfit and is using it as a vehicle to undermine DAP-K from within as he plans his exit.
“We caution him against attempts to destabilise DAP-K as he makes his exit,” the MPs warned.
The party further emphasised that the party had stood firmly by Governor Natembeya through his most difficult political moments, including two impeachment proceedings and corruption allegations.
“He has consistently benefited from the full moral, political, and legal support of party leadership,” the statement said.
DAP-K internal rift
As internal tensions escalate, the MPs are calling for an urgent National Management Council (NMC) meeting to deliberate on what they termed drastic action against the governor’s perceived betrayal.
In a show of loyalty, the group reaffirmed its unwavering support for Eugene Wamalwa, describing him as a symbol of stability and consistency in Kenya’s fractious political scene.
“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,” they stated.
The party also took the opportunity to remind the public of its record.
“DAP-K is not just the 5th largest party in Kenya but has been the most stable and consistent party in fighting corruption, social injustice, human rights and constitutionalism,” the statement noted.