Why it’s time for Natembeya to take over DAP–K leadership from Wamalwa
By Mabonga Makhanu, August 16, 2025It’s indeed time for Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya to be allowed to take over the DAP–K leadership from Eugene Wamalwa.
From the look of things, Natembeya believes he has the political muscle to represent the party at the national level. He sees himself as the defunct Mulembe region spokesman.
Judging from the current situation and his reception in the county and neighbouring counties, it’s clear that it’s high time Eugene Wamalwa accepted this reality and paved the way for Natembeya.
Despite the fact that Wamalwa brought him into the political scene in 2022 and campaigned for him vigorously until he won the gubernatorial seat, Natembeya has now overtaken his party boss. Crowds have embraced him more than his mentor.
Crowd pulling
Natembeya has recently been pulling huge crowds, with mammoth gatherings coming out to attend his meetings.
People cheer him on, eagerly waiting for his speeches, which have left people talking online and even shaken established figures in the region, such as National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who has held the kingpin position for a long time.
Natembeya has openly challenged him. The crowds he attracts are unmatched by Wamalwa, despite his long stay in politics. It’s evident that the clout is with Natembeya.
He is speaking about issues that the local populace resonates with, issues that have dragged the region behind for years, and this has made many come out to attend his meetings.
People view him as their leader, liberator, and a person who can represent the region’s interests on the national level.
His influence has not only been felt in the region alone; it has extended to other regions, if not the whole country. He has now become a national figure and a face of the Mulembe Nation. He has joined the club of big boys. If he has to enter any coalition, he must be regarded as a principal, nothing less, with him being awarded a fair share of the coalition.
Tawe slogan
His Tawe slogan has sunk deep into the people – a slogan meant to reject bad leadership and the injustices the region has suffered for long. The slogan is now the talk of the town, compared to Eugene Wamalwa’s Kwesule slogan, which faded as quickly as it had emerged.
Eugene used the slogan while campaigning for Azimio, with “Kwesule” referring to a bird traditionally used in Luhyaland to give direction. If you didn’t know where to go, you would mention the place, and the bird would point in that direction.
Eugene’s political message was that he would give the region direction. However, just like Musalia Mudavadi’s “earthquake” narrative, it quickly lost momentum.
Return after EACC saga
Months ago, after his release following a dramatic arrest and detention at the EACC headquarters, Natembeya’s return sent shockwaves across the region. What was meant to suppress him actually amplified his influence.
He began his tour in Vihiga, Luanda, traversing all four counties of the region, with mammoth crowds coming out to cheer him.
His final rally was in Kitale town, Trans Nzoia County, where thousands turned up late in the evening to embrace him. Despite having lost his voice from numerous stopovers, the crowd’s size and energy showed his dominance in the region and the people’s readiness to be led by him.
X
Wamalwa is a seasoned politician with vast cabinet experience. If someone were looking for a running mate and wanted a leader with experience from the region, they would go for him.
However, such metrics may not work in 2027. What will matter most is whether the running mate has clout and a following, and that is where Natembeya will triumph over Eugene.
With his recent achievements, this could be the perfect time for Wamalwa to step aside and give the party leadership to young, energetic blood like Natembeya.
He could assume a position similar to a patron, as Uhuru Kenyatta did, or act as a quasi-party leader, with Natembeya running most affairs while he offers guidance and mentorship when necessary. The undeniable fact is that Natembeya has overtaken him and now commands the region.
Future of DAP-K
From the look of things, Natembeya wants the party. If he doesn’t get it, he might form his own and give Eugene sleepless nights. It’s up to Eugene to accept this reality, even though it may be painful to see someone you brought into politics overtake you.
Wamalwa’s hand in politics cannot be ignored; he remains a force to reckon with. He single-handedly managed to curtail Kenya Kwanza in Trans Nzoia despite the influence it had, both from Ford Kenya and UDA. In the presidential votes, Ruto beat Raila by only a small margin.
Despite Ruto having a large constituency of his tribesmen, Kenya Kwanza did not secure many MPs: two seats went to DAP–K, one to ODM, two to UDA, one to ODM, and one to Ford Kenya. Combined, Azimio la Umoja had more MP seats than Kenya Kwanza, thanks to Wamalwa’s efforts.
However, the region now seems to have embraced Natembeya and wants his leadership. If he is given the party’s top post, it will likely bring in more numbers and make it easier to consolidate a region that has, for many years, failed to unite and vote as one bloc.