Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa has suffered another setback after former Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi resigned as deputy party leader and joined Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi movement ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Wamunyinyi announced his decision on Tuesday, October 20, saying he had reflected on the country’s political direction and consulted voters before deciding to work with Sifuna.
He described the senator as a leader who understands the struggles of ordinary Kenyans, including small-scale traders, boda boda operators, unemployed youth and farmers.
“After long nights of reflection and listening to the ground, I have decided to drop my position as Deputy Party Leader of DAP-K and take my energy to walk side by side with my brother, the voice of the people, Sen. Edwin Sifuna,” Wamunyinyi said.
The former lawmaker argued that opposition leaders needed to unite behind a common candidate to challenge President William Ruto in 2027.
He also appealed to Wamalwa to join the emerging political camp, insisting that his departure was not driven by personal differences with the DAP-K leader.
“I have not left in anger. In fact, I have reached out to my party leader, my brother Eugene Wamalwa, and told him plainly, ‘Kuja tatembea pamoja.’ Come, let us go and support Sifuna,” he said.
Wamunyinyi warned that divisions among opposition leaders could weaken their efforts to challenge Ruto in the next election.
“History will not forgive us if we scatter the opposition vote while Mwananchi is suffering,” he added.
Wamunyinyi’s departure comes months after Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya announced his exit from DAP-K following disagreements with Wamalwa over the party’s direction.
Natembeya said he had wanted the party to expand beyond its traditional Western Kenya base and adopt a broader national outlook. After leaving, he declared his support for Sifuna’s presidential ambitions.
Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati and other Western Kenya politicians have also expressed support for Sifuna’s political movement as leaders reposition themselves ahead of the 2027 polls.
The developments have raised questions about DAP-K’s ability to retain its influence in Western Kenya, where Wamalwa has sought to build a strong political base.
However, the departures do not by themselves establish the extent of the party’s grassroots support or its future electoral strength.
Sifuna Builds Political Support Ahead of 2027
Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi movement has been seeking support beyond Nairobi as the senator positions himself for the 2027 presidential race.
The movement has attracted politicians critical of cooperation between some opposition leaders and President Ruto’s administration.
Wamunyinyi said the movement offered a platform for leaders who wanted to focus on the concerns of ordinary citizens.
His decision adds to the political realignments taking place in Western Kenya, where leaders are weighing their options ahead of the next General Election.
Wamalwa’s response to Wamunyinyi’s latest move was not immediately available.
