Eugene Wamalwa, the leader of the Democratic Action Party (DAP-K) and a prominent member of the United Opposition, appears to be moving closer to the government he has long criticized. In the realm of politics, such developments rarely occur by chance.
Recently, Wamalwa attended a funeral alongside National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula in TransNzoia. Wetang’ula seized this moment to hint at a potential reconciliation among Western region leaders, including those aligned with the government.
He reminded the audience that in politics, allegiances shift; there are no permanent enemies or friends, and self-interest often supersedes loyalty.
Wamalwa emphasized that the leaders, whether in opposition or government, are united by their shared interests in the Mulembe region.
Wetang’ula acknowledged Wamalwa’s olive branch and urged him to join the ranks of government-aligned leaders, including Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. He expressed, “Eugene, I agree. Let’s unite. I have talked with Oparanya and Musalia. Together, we can form a formidable coalition to negotiate more effectively.”
Wetang’ula further articulated a vision for an alliance that would support one another in future presidential bids, emphasizing the importance of unity among them.
In the wake of Wetang’ula’s remarks, Wamalwa met with CS Oparanya, a significant ally of President William Ruto, and hinted at ongoing collaboration through a social media post. He stated, “Delighted to catch up with my brother CS @DrOparanya, with whom I intend to continue working for the unity and prosperity of the Mulembe Nation and the greater Kenyan Nation. Watch this space!”
This series of events cannot be dismissed as mere coincidence. In Kenyan politics, defections often begin subtly, with politicians aligning with former opponents before fully embracing the side they once criticized.
Despite speculation surrounding his potential departure from the United Opposition—now rebranded as the United Alternative Government by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka—Wamalwa has publicly denied any intention to abandon the opposition in support of President Ruto.
He revealed attempts to entice him into government through intermediaries, including proposals to revive the Justice and Cohesion Ministry, offering him a Cabinet Secretary role reminiscent of his position during the Kibaki administration before the 2010 Constitution. He also disclosed an approach to assume the Defence Cabinet Secretary position following Aden Duale’s reshuffle, only to be offered the Environment and later the Health docket, which he declined.
Wamalwa characterized these speculations as propaganda aimed at pressuring him to align with the government and indirectly endorse Ruto’s reelection.
However, the ongoing political signals and patterns cannot be overlooked. Wamalwa’s cautious statements, combined with his visible coordination with government-affiliated figures like Oparanya, suggest a careful balancing act. While he publicly denies any plans to join the government, his actions imply a willingness to collaborate with those he previously opposed.
This dual positioning is rarely coincidental in Kenyan politics.
Adding complexity to the situation, Wamalwa faces internal strife with his deputy party leader, George Natembeya, who seeks to assume leadership of the party. Natembeya is gaining political traction, and constituents in the Mulembe region are increasingly rallying behind him.
Their escalating feud has prompted the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to form an eight-member committee to address their dispute.
Wamalwa may be strategically carving out his own political space while distancing himself from supremacy battles with Natembeya, a figure he initially supported in his political ascent to the TransNzoia governorship.
