Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has resigned from his position as deputy party leader of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) following months of internal disagreements over the future direction of the political outfit.
Mr Natembeya said his decision was prompted by the refusal of party leader Eugene Wamalwa to support his proposal to modernise and expand DAP-K into a broader national movement.
“I requested Eugene Wamalwa to grant me the opportunity to expand DAP-K into a broader national movement,” Mr Natembeya said during an interview.
He said the proposal was rejected, leaving him with no option but to leave the party.
“Unfortunately, he declined. Consequently, I have no other option but to quit,” the governor said.
The resignation marks a significant shift in the ongoing realignment of political alliances in Western Kenya ahead of the next General Election.
Tensions within DAP-K had been suspected since 2025, although party officials repeatedly dismissed reports of an impending split. In a public communication released in January, the party sought to portray a united front among its members.
“For those of you who were preying on dividing our party by driving a wedge between our party leader Eugene Wamalwa and our Deputy Party Leader George Natembeya and DAP-K and TAWE Movement, now you have your answer,” the party said in the statement.
Despite the public show of unity, differences over the party’s future direction remained unresolved, eventually leading to Mr Natembeya’s departure.
The governor did not reveal the name of the political party he intends to form but said he was working with regional partners to establish a movement that would combine local interests with a national outlook.
“We shall come with a new party that will unite Western Kenya while embracing a national outlook,” Mr Natembeya said.
In a related development, the governor recently aligned himself with the Linda Mwananchi political group, whose representatives have organised a series of public events in the region to build support.
“We have planned on June 25, Saturday, to have rallies in Trans Nzoia, and a mega rally here in Kitale,” Mr Natembeya said.
The organisers have also planned subsequent political meetings across neighbouring counties to engage local voters.
“On June 26, we will go to Bungoma for a mega rally which will be a homecoming,” the governor said.
He added that the event would bring together representatives from the local community.
“We will have the whole society of Luhya,” Mr Natembeya said.
– Otieno Bildad
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