Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has declared that he is leaving the DAP-Kenya party, citing differences with the party's leadership as political alignments gather pace ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, July 8, the DAP-Kenya deputy leader said the move was prompted by a fallout with party leader Eugene Wamalwa.
Natembeya claimed Wamalwa rejected his proposal to transform DAP-K from a regional political outfit into a party with a national appeal.
"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 stated.
His announcement comes just days after he hosted Edwin Sifuna and other Linda Mwananchi leaders at his residence in Trans Nzoia.
During the meeting, the leaders resolved to establish a new political formation that they intend to use to campaign ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Reports indicate that the July 5 gathering also brought together community elders from the Western region and political leaders, who unveiled a roadmap aimed at shaping the region's political direction ahead of the polls.
Natembeya said the leaders had agreed to back Edwin Sifuna for the presidency in the 2027 General Election, while he would focus on retaining his Trans Nzoia gubernatorial seat for a second term.
“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,” stated political strategist Pauline Njoroge, who is also a member of Linda Mwananchi.
The announcement follows months of speculation over tensions within DAP-K, with Natembeya previously indicating in 2025 that he intended to leave the party.
At the time, DAP-K dismissed reports of a fallout, insisting that party leader Eugene Wamalwa and deputy party leader George Natembeya 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.
