WEBUYE, Kenya — The Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) has announced its departure from the Azimio la Umoja Coalition, citing disillusionment and “betrayal” by coalition affiliates who, they claim, have aligned themselves with the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration.
DAP-K’s leader, Eugene Wamalwa, made the announcement after a meeting of the National Executive Council held in Webuye, where he accused some Azimio members of undermining the coalition’s principles by supporting government-backed legislation and programs that contradict Azimio’s opposition stance.
“In DAP, we stand against burdening Kenyans with further taxes. Those aiding Ruto’s administration in doing so are not aligned with our values,” Wamalwa stated.
He referenced John Mbadi, who has advocated tax reforms recently reintroduced by President William Ruto’s government, asserting that such actions implicate Azimio affiliates in “unpopular policies” that disproportionately affect Kenyans.
In a pointed critique, Wamalwa emphasized DAP-K’s inability to “maintain a relationship with those who are not like-minded,” directly condemning some coalition leaders’ support for measures that DAP-K deems damaging to the country.
He also took aim at the recent removal of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, calling the Kenya Kwanza government’s actions increasingly authoritarian.
DAP-K’s exit is a significant blow to Azimio la Umoja, already struggling to retain members amid recent defections.
Leaders from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and other coalition parties have increasingly gravitated towards Kenya Kwanza, reportedly with the tacit acceptance of Azimio leader Raila Odinga.
Wamalwa and other coalition leaders have long urged ODM to reevaluate its position, arguing that its softening stance has weakened the coalition’s integrity.
DAP-K has now launched a new recruitment initiative aimed at expanding its influence nationwide, with aspirations to field candidates across all positions, including the presidency, in the next general election.
Wamalwa affirmed the party’s commitment to countering the government’s agenda with a robust opposition.
DAP-K’s leader, Eugene Wamalwa, made the announcement after a meeting of the National Executive Council held in Webuye, where he accused some Azimio members of undermining the coalition’s principles by supporting government-backed legislation and programs that contradict Azimio’s opposition stance.
“In DAP, we stand against burdening Kenyans with further taxes. Those aiding Ruto’s administration in doing so are not aligned with our values,” Wamalwa stated.
He referenced John Mbadi, who has advocated tax reforms recently reintroduced by President William Ruto’s government, asserting that such actions implicate Azimio affiliates in “unpopular policies” that disproportionately affect Kenyans.
In a pointed critique, Wamalwa emphasized DAP-K’s inability to “maintain a relationship with those who are not like-minded,” directly condemning some coalition leaders’ support for measures that DAP-K deems damaging to the country.
He also took aim at the recent removal of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, calling the Kenya Kwanza government’s actions increasingly authoritarian.
DAP-K’s exit is a significant blow to Azimio la Umoja, already struggling to retain members amid recent defections.
Leaders from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and other coalition parties have increasingly gravitated towards Kenya Kwanza, reportedly with the tacit acceptance of Azimio leader Raila Odinga.
Wamalwa and other coalition leaders have long urged ODM to reevaluate its position, arguing that its softening stance has weakened the coalition’s integrity.
DAP-K has now launched a new recruitment initiative aimed at expanding its influence nationwide, with aspirations to field candidates across all positions, including the presidency, in the next general election.
Wamalwa affirmed the party’s commitment to countering the government’s agenda with a robust opposition.
