Eugene Wamalwa, the leader of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), firmly refuted claims that Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has departed the party to join Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi movement.
In an interview with a local media outlet on July 24, 2026, Wamalwa asserted that Natembeya continues to serve as DAP-K’s deputy party leader and has not submitted an official resignation. He emphasized that he has not received any formal notification from Natembeya regarding a departure, reinforcing that the governor remains a vital part of the party despite ongoing rumors.
“Natembeya is still with DAP-K. If any of our members are planning a homecoming, they are doing so on behalf of the party. I have yet to receive any official communication about anyone leaving,” Wamalwa stated.
He elaborated that party members involved in organizing Sifuna’s homecoming ceremony are acting in the spirit of fostering unity within the opposition. Wamalwa noted that both the Linda Mwananchi movement and the United Opposition share the common goal of ensuring that President William Ruto serves only one term.
Wamalwa further clarified that participation in the Linda Mwananchi movement does not equate to abandoning one’s political party. He pointed out that several members of the Wiper Party have engaged with the movement while remaining committed to their party affiliations.
Regarding Sifuna’s homecoming ceremony, Wamalwa announced that he will not attend, explaining that the United Alternative Government team has its own distinct political agenda, even while sharing similar aspirations with the Linda Mwananchi movement. He reiterated that DAP-K members attending the event are doing so as representatives of the party, not as defectors.
These statements come amid rising speculation about DAP-K’s political future, especially following Natembeya’s recent declaration of alignment with Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi movement, as he awaits the unveiling of Sifuna’s new political party.
Natembeya has voiced concerns about DAP-K, suggesting that it has diminished in influence and is no longer a significant political force.
This situation unfolds as numerous senior politicians from Western Kenya increasingly gravitate toward Sifuna’s expanding political movement, prompting questions about DAP-K’s standing in the region.
Notably, former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati has also declared his intention to align with Sifuna, awaiting the launch of the Linda Mwananchi political party. Additionally, former Bungoma Deputy Governor Charles Ngome and former Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi have been linked to this movement, further intensifying speculation regarding a significant political shift in Western Kenya.
