The political paths of Eugene Wamalwa and George Natembeya appear to be moving in different directions, with the DAP-K leader now making it clear that he does not see the Trans Nzoia governor as a challenger to his presidential ambitions.
Wamalwa said Natembeya should focus on his bid to retain the Trans Nzoia governorship rather than be viewed as a rival to him, as the former Defence Minister positions himself for the 2027 presidential race.
Speaking during an interview with a local media station on Thursday, August 21, 2026, Wamalwa dismissed suggestions of a political contest between the two leaders, saying their ambitions are on different levels.
“Natembeya is not my competitor, nor is he my contemporary. He is my political son. I raised him in politics, and I brought him into politics. Let him take time to grow politically. I am his senior in politics,” he said.
The DAP-K party boss said Natembeya's immediate political goal is to secure another term as Trans Nzoia governor, while he is preparing to compete for the country's top political office.
“There is no rivalry between Natembeya and me. Our political interests are different. He is seeking a second term as governor while I am seeking the presidency,” Wamalwa said.
Wamalwa also claimed that he was instrumental in bringing Natembeya into active politics and giving him room to build his political career.
His comments come at a time when relations between the two politicians have been strained, with Natembeya increasingly associating with the Linda Mwananchi movement linked to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
Despite the growing distance between Natembeya and DAP-K, Wamalwa maintained that the governor had not formally left the party.
He insisted that Natembeya remained a DAP-K member and continued to serve as the party's deputy leader, despite his political engagements with Sifuna and the Linda Mwananchi movement.
Natembeya had previously sought a bigger role within DAP-K, expressing his desire to take over the party's leadership and transform it into a national political vehicle.
The push was rejected, leading to a further breakdown in relations and Natembeya's decision to work more closely with Sifuna.
Wamalwa, however, said the disagreement had not pushed Natembeya out of the wider opposition camp. He maintained that the governor was still part of the political efforts aimed at removing President William Ruto from office in the 2027 election.
Natembeya backs Sifuna
Natembeya has since continued to build his political partnership with Sifuna through the Linda Mwananchi movement.
The movement is expected to unveil a political party ahead of the 2027 elections, with Natembeya indicating that he plans to defend his Trans Nzoia seat using the new party's ticket.
The governor has also declared his support for Sifuna's presidential ambitions, setting the stage for a political alliance that could shape opposition politics ahead of the 2027 General Election.