Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has announced his resignation from the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), citing irreconcilable differences with party leader Eugene Wamalwa over the party’s future direction.
The dramatic exit marks one of the biggest political shake-ups in Western Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election. It comes amid growing efforts by opposition leaders to reorganise their political formations.
Speaking during an interview on Wednesday, July 8, Natembeya said he had sought permission to transform DAP-K from what he described as a predominantly regional party into a national political movement, but his proposal was rejected by Wamalwa.
“I requested Hon. Eugene Wamalwa to grant me the opportunity to expand DAP-K into a broader national movement. Unfortunately, he declined. Consequently, I have no other option but to quit,” Natembeya said.
The governor did not immediately reveal whether he intends to join another political party or launch a new political vehicle ahead of the 2027 elections.
Rift with Eugene Wamalwa
Natembeya has served as DAP-K’s deputy party leader and has been one of the party’s most prominent elected leaders since winning the Trans Nzoia gubernatorial seat in the 2022 General Election.
His departure is expected to weaken the party’s influence in Trans Nzoia, one of its traditional strongholds, while raising fresh questions about the unity of the Western Kenya opposition.
Although Wamalwa had previously projected DAP-K as a national party, Natembeya argued that the outfit needed to broaden its appeal beyond its traditional support base if it was to become a serious contender in the next General Election.
His resignation comes as political parties intensify grassroots mobilisation and realignments in preparation for the 2027 polls.
Exit follows meeting with Linda Mwananchi leaders
Natembeya’s decision comes just days after he hosted a high-profile delegation of Linda Mwananchi leaders at his home in Trans Nzoia.
Among those who attended the July 5 meeting were Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, alongside other opposition politicians associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement.
The meeting was attended by leaders from Western Kenya and community elders, who discussed the region’s political direction ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to sources familiar with the deliberations, the leaders explored the possibility of establishing a new political outfit that could provide an alternative platform for opposition leaders seeking national office.
The consultations also reportedly focused on strengthening cooperation among leaders from different political parties under a common political agenda.
Sifuna endorsement claims
According to Natembeya, the leaders who attended the meeting expressed support for Senator Edwin Sifuna to contest the presidency in 2027, while he indicated he would focus on defending his Trans Nzoia gubernatorial seat for a second term.
The remarks have fuelled speculation over emerging political formations within the opposition, although no formal announcement has been made regarding the creation of a new political party or coalition.
Sifuna has recently been actively involved in the Linda Mwananchi movement, which has been holding rallies and public engagements across several counties, including Kisii and Nyamira, as it seeks to expand its national presence.
Growing political realignments
Natembeya’s resignation is the latest in a series of political realignments as leaders reposition themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
In recent months, opposition politicians have intensified consultations across the country amid efforts to build broader alliances capable of challenging President William Ruto’s re-election bid.
The Linda Mwananchi movement has emerged as one of the platforms attracting leaders from different political backgrounds, with figures such as Edwin Sifuna, former Chief Justice David Maraga, former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, Senator Richard Onyonka, MP Anthony Kibagendi, Pauline Njoroge, Majimbo Kalasinga and Joshua Kimilu participating in various engagements organised by the movement.
Natembeya’s meeting with some of the movement’s leaders, followed closely by his resignation from DAP-K, is likely to intensify speculation about his next political destination.
Uncertain future for DAP-K
The resignation also presents a fresh challenge for Eugene Wamalwa as he seeks to consolidate support for DAP-K while remaining a key figure within the broader opposition.
Wamalwa, who has been positioning himself as one of the leading opposition voices against President Ruto’s administration, has consistently advocated for unity among opposition parties ahead of the next General Election.
Neither Wamalwa nor DAP-K had issued an official response to Natembeya’s resignation by the time of publication.
Political observers say Natembeya’s next move could significantly influence the political landscape in Western Kenya, where competition for influence among opposition leaders is expected to intensify in the run-up to the 2027 polls.
