A political fallout has emerged in DAP-K after Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya announced his exit from the party, citing disagreements with party leader Eugene Wamalwa over his proposal to expand the party’s reach beyond Western Kenya.
Speaking during an interview on Wednesday, Natembeya said he decided to leave the party after Wamalwa allegedly declined his request to expand DAP-K beyond its regional base.
Natembeya said he had sought approval from Wamalwa to reposition the party and make it more appealing to Kenyans across the country, but the request was rejected.
“I requested 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 told Sulwe FM on Wednesday.
The governor said he and his allies are now planning to unveil a new political party that will focus on uniting Western Kenya while also seeking national support.
“We shall come with a new party that will unite Western Kenya while embracing a national outlook,” Natembeya said.
The announcement comes days after Natembeya hosted Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other Linda Mwananchi leaders at his home in Trans Nzoia.
During the July 5 meeting, the leaders brought together community elders from the Western region and discussed a political roadmap ahead of the 2027 elections.
Natembeya said the leaders had endorsed Sifuna to contest the presidency in 2027, while he would focus on defending his seat for a second term as Trans Nzoia governor.
“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 Sifuna will be crowned the Luhya leader before being released to focus on his national campaign,” political strategist Pauline Njoroge, who is also a member of the Linda Mwananchi, said.
Natembeya said he believes the Mulembe community has an opportunity to produce a presidential candidate through Sifuna, adding that he will support the Nairobi senator’s bid.
“It’s an opportunity for the Mulembe people to produce a presidential candidate through Sifuna. I will support him for president in 2027, while I will still run for governor of Trans Nzoia. I will remain on the ground because I still have unfinished business… Sifuna should go to the top and bring the fruits back to us,” he said.
The governor added that he will continue working at the county level while helping to build support for Sifuna’s national campaign.
He said Western Kenya has enough numbers to influence the outcome of the next presidential election if leaders unite behind a common political agenda.
“My duty is to consolidate the entire Western to deliver the four million votes as Sifuna complements the national level to deliver the presidency,” he said.
Natembeya also revealed that Sifuna and the Linda Mwananchi movement will begin political mobilisation activities in the region later this month.
The team is expected to hold a rally in Trans Nzoia on Saturday, July 25, before moving to Bungoma County on Sunday, July 26.
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