Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has hinted at a possible exit from the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) if its leadership continues to resist internal reforms.
Speaking on the status of the party and his position, Natembeya explained that he valued the party, especially because he was among the founders. However, he stressed the urgent need for reforms to reshape the party into one with a broader national appeal.
According to Natembeya, who is also the party's deputy leader, said if his proposals for reforms continue to be blocked, he has a democratic right to defect to another party or even form a new one.
"The field is open, and Kenya is a democratic state, I can formulate another party or defect to another one, because we have to get it right," the governor said.
According to Natembeya, he has been suggesting reforms to be made in the party but the DAP-K leadership led by the party leader, Eugene Wamalwa, has been blocking them.
The governor has demanded an explanation from the party as to why and who is not welcoming his reforms.
''For now, I believe that if the party remains as it is, my agenda and opinions cannot be achieved,'' Natembeya said.
The wrangles between Natembeya and the party leadership began when he urged the party to rebrand and expand beyond Western Kenya.
His requests were viewed by other members as diverting. They quickly escalated to a point where a section of members filed a petition to expel him from the party.
The party, led by Wamalwa, held a crisis meeting to discuss the issues. The matter has since been referred to the disciplinary committee of the party's National Executive Council.
Both Natembeya and Wamalwa have downplayed the effect of the wrangles, terming them as normal disputes within a party.
On August 1, Wamalwa advised Natembeya not to initiate an exit, and if he wanted the party's ticket for the Presidential post, then he should face him through party nominations.
''My brother George Natembeya, you do not have to leave or cause a coup in our party, DAP-Kenya, to become Party Leaders or Presidential candidates. You are welcome to face me for the Presidential ticket in free and fair nominations,'' Wamalwa said.
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