Why George Natembeya has quit DAP-K

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya when he was unveiled as DAP-K deputy party leader. [File, Standard]

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has officially announced his exit from the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), citing irreconcilable differences with party leader Eugene Wamalwa over the party's future direction.

Speaking during an interview on Wednesday, Natembeya said he had sought an opportunity to transform DAP-K from a regional political outfit into a national movement but was unsuccessful.

 "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 further hinted on the emergence of a political party which he and other political leaders from Western region will join. 

“We shall come with a new party that will unite Western Kenya while embracing a national outlook,” Natembeya said.

Natembeya's decision follows months of speculation over his relationship with the DAP-K leadership. In 2025, he had hinted at leaving the party, although DAP-K dismissed reports of a fallout, insisting that the Governor and Wamalwa remained united.

"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.

His departure comes amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election and follows a series of engagements with like-minded leaders seeking to chart a new political path.

The governor's announcement follows a political address he delivered to the people of Trans Nzoia, where he outlined an aggressive campaign schedule across the Western region ahead of the 2027 polls.

“We have planned on June 25, Saturday, to have rallies in Trans Nzoia, and a mega rally here in Kitale. On June 26, 2026, we will go to Bungoma for a mega rally which will be a homecoming. We will have the whole society of luhya, leaders of the luhya community, our elders, youth and leaders of different organisations," he said..

Natembeya also reaffirmed his support, alongside that of other Luhya leaders, for Sifuna as their preferred flagbearer.

“When we finish the rally we will have meetings in every constituency in Western region. We will then let SIfuna fight on the political front while we remain here to fight for our people,” he said.

The govenror further said the Western region would unite under a single political party, urging leaders to join the movement early rather than waiting until it gains momentum.

“Those who are ready to suffer with the citizens, they join us and those who will not come to remain on the other side. We will not accept the politics of dicit in a way that you want to join us after you have already fed from the other side.”

Natembeya's departure marks a significant blow to DAP-K in its Western Kenya stronghold, with political observers now watching whether the party can retain its influence in the region without one of its most vocal and prominent leaders.