Kisii Senator Richard Onyoka has revealed that he might seriously consider decamping from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) if doing so would increase his chances of securing a seat in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during a morning show at NTV on Monday, October 10, the Kisii lawmaker noted that supporting Fred Matiang'i in his 2027 presidential bid means that he is ready to follow his lead, even if Matiang'i advises him to join the Jubilee Party.
According to Onyonka, shifting from party to party often has, over the years, enabled him to master the art of surviving in the country's political ecosystem.
"I have so much respect for the ODM party, and if I find that I will win my seat with the Jubilee party, I will just go there. My honest observation is that I have taken my time to support Fred Matiang'i, and if he asks me to join Jubilee, I will seriously consider that, and if he doesn't, I will remain in ODM," Onyonka said.
"If ODM decides to form a coalition with the opposition, I will be comfortable. I am comfortable. I have never won a seat with just one party; I have always been changing parties," he added.
According to Onyonka, the passing of Raila Odinga has prompted leaders, especially in the ODM, to go back to the drawing board and create strategies to ensure that they are still vibrant politicians.
Onyonka has, however, assured that joining President William Ruto is not an option for him.
The senator affirmed that he will not back down in keeping the government in check until the next general elections.
"I said that I am willing to listen to him; I may end up believing in him, but I will not join him. I am not criticising the government so that I may join them at the end. I tell people that I would not join the president; even if I found my Mum associating with him, I would discourage her," Onyonka said.
The senator said that despite not completely agreeing with the political style of some opposition leaders, including the former Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, he will continue to support them, especially since they declined to join Kenya Kwanza despite pressure.
Onyonka expressed optimism that former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s decision to appoint Matiang’i as Jubilee’s deputy party leader will significantly boost Matiang’i’s chances of winning the presidency in 2027.
"What has surprised me Kalonzo Musyoka has stood his ground, and it has impressed me. And when you look at Gachagua, he is doing his thing of telling the government what is wrong with it. Many of us don't like his style, but his style does not really matter; he has got many others who really like him," he said.
