Senator Richard Onyonka, a veteran politician from Gusii, has been known for his calculated and sometimes risky shifts in his political career spanning nearly three decades. He was first elected to Parliament in 2007 on Omingo Magara's People's Democratic Party (PDP) ticket for Kitutu Chache. Onyonka quickly gravitated towards Raila Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and was appointed Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs in the Grand Coalition Government of President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Odinga.
Onyonka's political career has been marked by several shifts in allegiance. He tilted towards Moses Wetang'ula and his FORD-Kenya party, becoming the Deputy Party Leader of Ford-Kenya ahead of the 2012 General Election. However, he returned to ODM and was elected as the first Member of Parliament for the newly created Kitutu Chache South Constituency. Until recently, Onyonka was a vocal champion of former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i's presidential ambitions, drumming up support for him across Gusii.
In a recent turn of events, Onyonka has shifted his allegiance to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna's Linda Mwananchi movement. He has been traversing the country with Sifuna to popularize the new outfit, sparking questions about his loyalty to Matiang'i. Onyonka initially dismissed predictions of a full defection, stating that the broader opposition was pursuing a common goal and that supporting Sifuna did not amount to abandoning Matiang'i.
Onyonka's shift in allegiance was confirmed when he was appointed Treasurer of Linda Mwananchi, effectively sealing his pivot from Matiang'i's camp. When contacted to explain his shifting loyalties, Onyonka offered an evasive response, stating that he was still a member of the opposition but would be in Linda Mwananchi.
Political analyst Omondi Okumu notes that Onyonka's flip-flop nature is not new to politics and reflects the adaptability often required in a dynamic political landscape. Okumu suggests that Onyonka's strategy may be more about survival and relevance than loyalty. Prior to his defection, Onyonka had endorsed Sifuna as a "president in waiting" and the "incoming president" ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Onyonka's endorsement of Sifuna coincided with Sifuna's official unveiling as leader and presidential flagbearer of The Equitable Party (TEP) on October 4, 2026. During the TEP party launch, Onyonka acknowledged other opposition figures, including Matiang'i, emphasizing collaboration. He posed a delicate balancing act, stating that he could not lose Sifuna to get Matiang'i.
The implications of Onyonka's shift in allegiance are still unclear, but it is evident that his political career will continue to be marked by calculated risks and shifts. As a key figure in Kenyan politics, Onyonka's moves will be closely watched in the lead-up to the 2027 General Election.
Key points
- Senator Richard Onyonka has shifted his allegiance from Fred Matiang'i to Edwin Sifuna's Linda Mwananchi movement.
- Onyonka's shift in allegiance reflects his adaptability and strategy for survival and relevance in a dynamic political landscape.
- The implications of Onyonka's shift in allegiance are still unclear, but it is evident that his political career will continue to be marked by calculated risks and shifts.
