Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has hinted at the possibility of switching from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to the Jubilee Party ahead of the 2027 General Election.
in an interview on Monday, November 10, Onyonka said the country’s political dynamics were changing and that he would make decisions based on the realities on the ground.
"I shouldn't say this because I have so much respect and candor with my party, ODM, but politics in Kenya is shifting. If I find that I will win my seat with the Jubilee Party, that's what I'll do," he said.
Onyonka further revealed that his decision could also be influenced by his relationship with former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
"My honest observation is that because I've taken my space and time to support Fred Matiangi and it's a risk in personal determination and what you do with it, is that if Fred Matiangi asks me to join Jubilee, I would seriously consider that and join him. If he doesn't, then I'm comfortable remaining in my ODM," he added.
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Onyonka added that he was not at odds with ODM’s leadership and that he would remain at ease with any coalition arrangements the party makes.
"If ODM, for example, decides to form a coalition with Jubilee and the other parties of the opposition, I'm comfortable. Either way, I am always comfortable," he concluded.
This comes months after Onyonka denied reports that there were ongoing talks between Matiang'i and President William Ruto.
He made the remarks after reports emerged that the former CS would be willing to work with Ruto ahead of 2027.
In a statement on Wednesday, July 2, Onyonka maintained that there were no talks with any individual from the government regarding the 2027 race.
"There is no negotiation going on between Dr. Fred Matiang'i and anyone in government. The person purporting to speak for Dr. Matiang'i is an impostor!" he expressed.
The reports emerged a day after Matiang'i confirmed that he will be contesting for the presidency in the next election.
During an interview, he stated that he still did not have a party, distancing himself from reports of being a project of former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
"I am in consultations with a number of political parties and a number of political leaders across the board. I honestly think that if I made a choice now and stuck to one political party, I would disadvantage the others with whom we are having a discussion.
"Am I a project by deed of the fact that I served in Uhuru’s Cabinet? And if it is a question of service, why not ask me if I am a project of the World Bank because I have just come from the World Bank?" he stated.
