Senator Says He Will Quit ODM If Matiang’i Says
Kisii Senator Richard Onyoka has shared that he’s seriously thinking about leaving the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) if it boosts his chances of winning a seat in the 2027 general elections.
While speaking on a morning show at NTV on Monday, October 10, the Kisii lawmaker mentioned that if he supports Fred Matiang’i in his presidential campaign for 2027, he’s prepared to follow Matiang’i’s guidance, even if that means joining 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 recent passing of Raila Odinga has led leaders, particularly within the ODM, to reassess their strategies and ensure they remain active and influential in politics.
Onyonka made it clear, though, that aligning himself with President William Ruto is simply not on the table for him.
He emphasized his commitment to holding the government accountable right up until the next general elections.
“I’ve said I’m open to listening to him; I might even come to believe in him, but joining him is out of the question. I’m not criticizing the government just to switch sides later. I tell people I wouldn’t join the president; even if I saw my Mum getting close to him, I’d advise her against it,” Onyonka stated.
He also mentioned that while he doesn’t fully agree with the political approaches of some opposition figures, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, he will continue to support them, especially since they chose not to join Kenya Kwanza despite facing 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
Senator Says He Will Quit ODM If Matiang’i Says
