Inside Politics

DAP-K denies communique confirming Natembeya as new party boss

Friday 21st November, 2025 06:54 AM| By Luke Oluoch

The Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) has distanced itself from a communique purporting to have confirmed changes in the top leadership on Thursday, November 20, 2025.

In the notice signed by acting Secretary General Seth Panyako, the party flagged the changes that stated that Eugene Wamalwa has been kicked out as the party leader, with Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya being handed over the party leadership position.

Leadership changes

The changes also claimed to have effected changes in the Secretary General post, where former Tongaren MP Eseli Simiiyu was dethroned from the position.

While denying the development made by its National Executive Committee during an emergency sitting, DAP-K pointed out that the fake poster was from its critics seeking to sow divisions and confusion within the party amid a focus on winning the upcoming Malava by-elections.

The communiqué from the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) denying the notice purporting changes in its top leadership. PHOTO/ Ascreen grab by People Daily Digital.

“FAKE! Eyes on the Malava Ball. No sideshows!” a concise statement from the party stated.

The foregoing comes months after the emergence of a tussle over the leadership of the party, pitting Natembeya against Wamalwa.

DAP-K leadership wrangles

In the said takeover, Natembeya and his allies formally petitioned the DAP-K leadership to convene both a Special National Executive Council (SNEC) and National Governing Council (NGC) meeting to deliberate on Wamalwa’s leadership style and overall direction of the party.

The Trans Nzoia governor came out to publicly deny any knowledge of a planned coup within the party, as Wamalwa’s allies insisted that the governor is accusing the former Defence Cabinet Secretary of being laid-back, uninspiring, unambitious, and reluctant to commit personal resources to the party’s operations.

“I am not aware of any planned coup in DAP-K. This propaganda is only intended to divert attention from the real issues,” Natembeya told PD Wikendi.

There has also been an ongoing confusion in the party’s top leadership following a decision by its deputy party leader, Ayub Savula, to support a rival candidate in the upcoming Malava by-elections.