RIFT VALLEY: Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has laughed off threats of expulsion from the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), terming them as political intimidation and insisting his focus remains on delivering his mandate.

In an interview on Friday, Natembeya questioned the legality and motive behind reported plans by the party’s top brass to oust him, particularly over his perceived political realignments and growing national profile.

“Who can say that? The NEC? For what reasons?” he posed, referring to DAP-K’s National Executive Council. “How do you expel a member from a party? You just wake up and say you are expelled?”

“I have no room for that. Because this is intimidation,” he asserted.

Natembeya has in recent months been at the centre of national political speculation, with growing chatter around his potential presidential ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

While he has not declared interest formally, his rising political visibility has led to mounting scrutiny from both allies and rivals.

During the interview, when asked about his possible bid for the presidency, Natembeya responded indirectly but pointedly, distancing himself from internal DAP-K squabbles.

“It’s in DAP where you and Salasya, among the elected members of parliament, want to be president. But we don’t know which party you are coming with,”

In response, Natembeya said, “I don’t know, Salasya wants to be the president of what. For me, I want to be the President of Kenya.”

His remarks come amid simmering tensions within DAP-K, underscoring broader shifts in Kenya’s political landscape as 2027 approaches.

Realignments, party wrangles, and positioning for influence are intensifying — and Natembeya appears intent on charting his own path.

“We should learn to groom leaders who have the potential to shine in the national space,” he said. “The problem with us Kenyans is that when we see a leader with the potential to shine, we start placing hurdles in his way with accusations.”