The Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) has been thrown into a leadership crisis, with two of its most prominent figures party leader Eugene Wamalwa and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya facing separate, coordinated attempts to remove them from their positions.

The internal wrangles have brought to light growing tensions within the party, with members split between those pushing for a more liberal and inclusive approach and those holding on to a conservative outlook.

“The murmurs you are hearing from DAP-K are about those who are conservative and those who want to be liberal, and who want to rebrand the party so that it is not just for Western Kenya and so that we have other voices. Politics is not just about Western Kenya,” Governor Natembeya told journalists on 2nd, Aug 2025.

He further noted resistance within the party against broadening its base beyond its traditional stronghold.

“That is the challenge that we have. Some people are against opening the doors to other Kenyans to help DAP-K grow, because we know it has potential,” he added.

DAP-K Secretary General Dr. Eseli Simiyu while addressing journalists in Kakamega county also confirmed about the ongoing tensions, describing it as a “serious dispute” among members. He also acknowledged that a petition seeking the removal of the party leader and other officials has been formally lodged.

In response, the National Management Council (NMC) has referred all petitions to the Internal Disputes Resolution Mechanism (IDRM) for urgent handling.

According to the Secretary General, this move is aimed at ensuring that party operations, including participation in upcoming by-elections, continue without disruption.

Wamalwa, on his part, has called for calm within the party, assuring members that the disputes will be handled democratically. He said he does not feel personally threatened by the developments.

DAP-K, a constituent party in the Azimio La Umoja alliance, fielded 61 candidates in the last general election but secured only five seats in Parliament. The latest internal conflicts now cast uncertainty over the party’s stability and its efforts to build influence on the national stage.