George Natembeya Quits DAP-K After Fallout With Eugene Wamalwa Ahead of 2027 Political Realignments
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has announced his resignation from the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), marking a significant political shift as leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Natembeya, who has served as the party’s deputy leader, confirmed his departure during an interview on Wednesday, July 8, saying irreconcilable differences with DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa had forced him to leave the party.
According to the governor, his decision was informed by Wamalwa’s refusal to support his vision of transforming DAP-K from a party with a largely regional base into a national political movement capable of attracting support across the country.
“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 announcement is expected to reshape the political landscape in Western Kenya and could significantly alter opposition alliances as preparations for the next general election gather momentum.
Exit Comes Amid New Political Alliance
Natembeya’s resignation comes only days after he hosted Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna alongside other leaders affiliated with the Linda Mwananchi movement at his Trans Nzoia residence.
The high-profile meeting reportedly focused on building a new political coalition aimed at challenging President William Ruto’s administration in the 2027 elections.
Sources familiar with the discussions indicated that leaders and respected elders from the Western region endorsed a political roadmap that includes unveiling a new political party to spearhead the movement.
“As part of that roadmap, they announced that a new political party will soon be unveiled to carry the movement’s vision,” a source close to the discussions told Kenyans.co.ke.
Natembeya has also disclosed that the emerging coalition agreed to back Edwin Sifuna for the presidency in 2027, while he concentrates on defending his Trans Nzoia gubernatorial seat for a second term.
Political strategist Pauline Njoroge, who is associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement, said the coalition has already mapped out a series of major political rallies.
“The roadmap will begin with a major Linda Mwananchi rally in Trans Nzoia on July 25, followed by the mother of all rallies in Bungoma County on July 26, where Edwin Sifuna will be crowned the Luhya leader before being released to focus on his national campaign,” she stated.
Rift Had Been Brewing for Months
Natembeya’s departure follows months of speculation over growing tensions within DAP-K.
In 2025, reports emerged suggesting the governor was preparing to leave the party following disagreements with its leadership. At the time, however, DAP-K strongly dismissed claims of internal divisions.
The party insisted that Eugene Wamalwa and George Natembeya remained united and accused critics of attempting to create unnecessary divisions within the party.
“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 a statement issued in January 2026.
Natembeya’s latest declaration now confirms the fallout, ending months of speculation and opening a new chapter in Kenya’s fast-changing opposition politics.
His resignation is expected to intensify political realignments, particularly in the Western region, as opposition leaders seek to consolidate support and unveil a new political vehicle ahead of the 2027 General Election.
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