The Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) has issued a scathing response to remarks made by Majority Leader of the National Assembly Kimani Ichung’wah, calling them "childish and uncouth" and accusing him of undermining leaders from Western Kenya.
The statement was delivered by DAP-K Secretary-General Hon. Dr. Eseli Simiyu during a press briefing attended by senior party officials, including Deputy Party Leader Hon. Wafula Wamunyinyi, National Chairman Hon. David Muchele, and other Western Kenya leaders. The party came out strongly in defense of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, who is also the DAP-K Deputy Party Leader, following Ichung’wah’s comments during a funeral service for the late Mama Ann Nanyama Wetang’ula, mother of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
Accusations of Economic Marginalization
The party accused Ichung’wah of having contributed to the economic marginalization of Western Kenya during his tenure as Chairman of the National Assembly Budget Committee. DAP-K claims Ichung’wah was instrumental in amending the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation formula, resulting in Western Kenya losing an estimated Ksh 14 billion in development funds over five years.
“This was a deliberate move to deny Western Kenya its fair share of development resources, further impoverishing the region,” Dr. Simiyu stated.
Defense of Natembeya
DAP-K praised Governor Natembeya for highlighting poverty levels and injustices in Western Kenya, including the alleged abductions of protesting youths. The party dismissed Ichung’wah’s allegations that Natembeya was involved in abductions and extrajudicial actions, terming the claims as baseless and defamatory.
“To imply that Natembeya abducted and murdered people is a legally actionable offense on the integrity of George Natembeya,” the statement read. “We dare Ichung’wah to repeat these accusations in Mt. Kenya or any other public forum.”
Call for Unity and Accountability
The party warned against what it described as divisive rhetoric by Kenya Kwanza leaders, accusing them of fueling tribalism and attempting to suppress dissent. DAP-K emphasized that raising concerns about marginalization should not be misconstrued as tribalism but as a legitimate call for justice and equity.
“Yes, we are economically marginalized as a community, and branding us tribalists will not silence us. It is tribalism from leaders like Ichung’wah that has caused our suffering,” the statement asserted.
Broader Issues of Civil Liberties
The party also criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration for failing to end enforced disappearances and extrajudicial actions that were rampant under the previous Jubilee administration. They highlighted the abduction of businessman Jaswant Rai as an example of ongoing injustices.
“The Kenya Kwanza administration promised to end these atrocities, yet they persist. The perpetrators from the Jubilee era and now the current administration must be held accountable,” Dr. Simiyu said.
Support for Governor Natembeya
DAP-K reaffirmed its support for Governor Natembeya, urging him to continue advocating for the rights of the Western Kenya community and all Kenyans. The party encouraged him to remain steadfast in his leadership and not be deterred by political attacks.
“Governor Natembeya should intensify his defense of the community by fighting for the rights of all Kenyans,” Dr. Simiyu concluded.
Leadership Present
The press briefing was attended by key party figures, including DAP-K National Treasurer Hon. Beatrice Mbingi and county leaders from across Western Kenya. The party vowed to stand united against any attempts to undermine their leadership and the interests of the region.
Background
The clash between DAP-K and Ichung’wah stems from a growing political divide over governance and representation issues. The remarks at Mama Ann Wetang’ula’s funeral have since sparked a heated debate on leadership, civil liberties, and economic justice in Kenya.
As tensions rise, all eyes will be on how these issues shape the political discourse in the months ahead.