DAP-K RECEIVES PETITIONS TO OUST WAMALWA AND NATEMBEYA FROM LEADERSHIP

The Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) is grappling with internal turmoil after receiving formal petitions seeking the removal of its top leaders—Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa and Deputy Party Leader, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
The petitions, lodged earlier this week, accuse Governor Natembeya of promoting and funding a rival outfit, the County Development-Kenya (CoD-K) party, through political proxies. Wamalwa, on the other hand, faces criticism from a faction within the party for allegedly stalling efforts to rebrand and expand DAP-K nationally.
DAP-K Secretary General Dr. Eseli Simiyu confirmed the receipt of the petitions and announced that the matter has been referred to the party’s Internal Dispute Resolution Mechanism (IDRM). “The party has a constitution and mechanisms to deal with internal disagreements. The process has now begun,” he said.
The development underscores the growing rift between two factions in the party—one led by Wamalwa, which supports maintaining DAP-K’s traditional base in Western Kenya, and another under Natembeya, pushing for a broader national reach and structural reforms.
In response to the turmoil, Wamalwa appealed for calm and assured party members that due process would be followed. “DAP-K is a democratic institution. We must allow the internal dispute resolution organs to carry out their work,” he said during a press briefing.
The party is expected to convene a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to deliberate on the matter and possibly form a disciplinary committee to investigate the allegations.
Meanwhile, loyalists from both sides have taken strong positions. Mumias East MP Peter Salasya, a close ally of Wamalwa, accused Natembeya of orchestrating a hostile takeover of the party. “DAP-K cannot be hijacked. We remain firm behind Wamalwa,” Salasya stated.
The power struggle comes just weeks before by-elections in Malava and Ugunja, placing DAP-K’s unity and future direction under sharp focus.