The Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) has confirmed receiving a formal petition seeking the removal of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya from his position as Deputy Party Leader, marking a significant escalation in the party’s internal wrangles.
According to senior party officials, the petition—filed by a section of the National Executive Council (NEC)—accuses Natembeya of allegedly funding and promoting activities aligned with another political outfit, a move the petitioners describe as disloyal and in direct violation of the party’s constitution.
In response to the deepening rift, the party’s National Management Committee has forwarded all complaints and petitions to the Internal Dispute Resolution Mechanism (IDRM) for urgent handling. The IDRM is expected to evaluate the matter impartially and offer recommendations in line with the party’s internal governance structures.
Party leader Eugene Wamalwa downplayed the tension, stating that DAP-K remains a democratic institution committed to resolving disputes through peaceful and transparent means. “We respect internal diversity of opinion, but we must also protect the unity and discipline of our party,” he said.
Meanwhile, Governor Natembeya has dismissed the allegations as overblown, asserting that there are no major disputes within the party. He acknowledged minor differences but emphasized the need for DAP-K to undergo internal reforms, including a strategic rebrand and expansion beyond its traditional base in Western Kenya.
“There are no wars in DAP-K. There are only calls for growth and reform,” Natembeya said.
The party is now at a crossroads as it weighs the outcome of the petition process, even as it prepares for a possible reorganization ahead of the 2027 general election. The political temperature within DAP-K is expected to remain high as the internal dispute resolution process unfolds.
