Tensions within the united opposition intensified on Friday, November 14, after Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Leader Cleophas Malala accused Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya of acting as a mole for President William Ruto’s administration.
Speaking during a rally in Kakamega, Malala alleged that Natembeya—who also serves as DAP-Kenya’s deputy party leader—was colluding with the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to destabilise the opposition and influence upcoming by-elections in favour of pro-government candidates.
According to Malala, Natembeya had been compromised by the State to sway the outcome of the Kisa East Member of County Assembly (MCA) by-election.
Also Read
“President Ruto’s government has seen that we are going to win these by-elections and has gone ahead to bribe one of us by the name George Natembeya,” Malala claimed.
He further alleged that Natembeya had been dispatched to Kisa East to create divisions between DCP, led by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and DAP-Kenya, headed by former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa.
“The government directed him to disrupt the campaigns of the opposition in Kisa East so that the government could win. So Natembeya came here all the way from Trans Nzoia to cause division between DCP people and DAP-Kenya members,” he said.
Malala labelled the governor “double-minded,” accusing him of clinging to the “mindset of a police officer” rather than embracing political leadership.
“Natembeya is being used by the National Intelligence Service to divide us,” he added.
Opposition Leaders Downplay Split
The accusations come just days after DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa dismissed rumoured plans to work with President Ruto’s broad-based government ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a rally on Wednesday, November 12, Wamalwa said any engagement with State House would only happen collectively as a unified opposition front.
“I received many calls asking if Kalonzo and I were being sought by Ruto. Even Gachagua asked. I want to tell Gachagua that if Ruto calls us, we will tell him that Gachagua is our spokesperson,” Wamalwa said.
He urged Kenyans to ignore political manoeuvres by the President, reiterating that the opposition remained focused on unseating Ruto in 2027.