Speaking during an interview on NTV on Monday morning, November 10, 2025, the senator said his political loyalty lies with Matiang’i, whom he believes has the best chance to unite opposition forces and challenge President William Ruto in 2027.
Onyonka explained that he has supported Matiang’i for years and would be ready to follow his lead even if it means joining another party such as Jubilee.
According to him, political survival in Kenya often requires flexibility rather than blind loyalty to a single party.
“I have a lot of respect for the ODM party. But if I find that I can win my seat under the Jubilee ticket, I will go there,” Onyonka stated.
“I have a lot of respect for the ODM party. But if I find that I can win my seat under the Jubilee ticket, I will go there,” Onyonka stated.
“I have supported Fred Matiang’i for some time now, and if he asks me to join Jubilee, I will seriously consider it. If he doesn’t, I’ll remain in ODM.”
Onyonka, a seasoned politician known for his blunt political views, said supporting Matiang’i is a personal decision based on shared values and trust.
Onyonka, a seasoned politician known for his blunt political views, said supporting Matiang’i is a personal decision based on shared values and trust.
He praised Matiang’i as a disciplined leader who has what it takes to steer the country forward.
“Matiang’i has been consistent and firm in his beliefs. If he decides to run for president in 2027, I will fully support him,” he added.
The senator further said that the late ODM leader Raila Odinga’s death had left a big gap in the opposition, forcing leaders to re-strategize and decide which alliances to join before 2027.
“With Raila gone, we are going back to the drawing board,” he said.
“Matiang’i has been consistent and firm in his beliefs. If he decides to run for president in 2027, I will fully support him,” he added.
The senator further said that the late ODM leader Raila Odinga’s death had left a big gap in the opposition, forcing leaders to re-strategize and decide which alliances to join before 2027.
“With Raila gone, we are going back to the drawing board,” he said.
“We must be realistic about how we remain politically relevant and how we continue his fight for justice and equality.”
Onyonka admitted that he has switched parties several times in his political career — something he says is a normal part of Kenyan politics.
“I have never won a seat with one party,” he joked.
Onyonka admitted that he has switched parties several times in his political career — something he says is a normal part of Kenyan politics.
“I have never won a seat with one party,” he joked.
“I always move with the political wave that gives me the best chance to win. It’s not betrayal; it’s strategy.”
He explained that his main goal has always been to serve his people, not to cling to political party labels.
He explained that his main goal has always been to serve his people, not to cling to political party labels.
“My loyalty is to my constituents and my conscience,” he said.
While Onyonka expressed openness to shifting between opposition parties, he firmly ruled out working with President William Ruto or joining the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
“I will not join the government,” Onyonka said firmly.
While Onyonka expressed openness to shifting between opposition parties, he firmly ruled out working with President William Ruto or joining the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
“I will not join the government,” Onyonka said firmly.
“I am not criticising the president so that I can later join him. Even if my own mother started supporting him, I would advise her against it.”
He emphasized that he would continue to hold the government accountable in Parliament and ensure that it delivers on its promises to Kenyans.
He emphasized that he would continue to hold the government accountable in Parliament and ensure that it delivers on its promises to Kenyans.
“My job as a senator is to keep the government in check, not to praise it,” he noted.
Onyonka also praised other opposition leaders who have stood firm against pressure to join the government.
Onyonka also praised other opposition leaders who have stood firm against pressure to join the government.
He mentioned Kalonzo Musyoka, whom he said had surprised many by remaining independent despite efforts to woo him to Kenya Kwanza.
“What has impressed me is that Kalonzo has stood his ground,” Onyonka said. “He believes in what he stands for. That’s the kind of leadership we need.”
He also spoke positively about Rigathi Gachagua, the former Deputy President and leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), saying that although many disagree with Gachagua’s style, he still plays an important role in keeping the government on its toes.
“Many people don’t like Gachagua’s approach, but the truth is, he speaks his mind,” Onyonka remarked.
“What has impressed me is that Kalonzo has stood his ground,” Onyonka said. “He believes in what he stands for. That’s the kind of leadership we need.”
He also spoke positively about Rigathi Gachagua, the former Deputy President and leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), saying that although many disagree with Gachagua’s style, he still plays an important role in keeping the government on its toes.
“Many people don’t like Gachagua’s approach, but the truth is, he speaks his mind,” Onyonka remarked.
“He has his followers, and that’s what democracy is about — diversity of opinion.”
Matiang’i’s Growing Political Influence
Onyonka expressed optimism that Matiang’i’s influence would continue to grow, especially after former President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed him as the deputy party leader of Jubilee.
Matiang’i’s Growing Political Influence
Onyonka expressed optimism that Matiang’i’s influence would continue to grow, especially after former President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed him as the deputy party leader of Jubilee.
He said the move positioned Matiang’i as a major player in shaping Kenya’s political future.
“Uhuru’s decision to make Matiang’i Jubilee’s deputy party leader shows that he believes in his leadership,” Onyonka said.
“Uhuru’s decision to make Matiang’i Jubilee’s deputy party leader shows that he believes in his leadership,” Onyonka said.
“Matiang’i has experience, discipline, and a clean record. Those are the qualities Kenyans are looking for in 2027.”
He also revealed that discussions are already ongoing among leaders from the Gusii region to rally behind Matiang’i’s presidential ambitions, saying that unity among their community will play a big role in national politics.
As 2027 approaches, Onyonka said his main goal is to retain his Kisii senatorial seat and help shape the political narrative in the opposition. He believes leaders must build alliances early rather than waiting for the last minute.
“The next election will be about coalitions and trust,” he said.
He also revealed that discussions are already ongoing among leaders from the Gusii region to rally behind Matiang’i’s presidential ambitions, saying that unity among their community will play a big role in national politics.
As 2027 approaches, Onyonka said his main goal is to retain his Kisii senatorial seat and help shape the political narrative in the opposition. He believes leaders must build alliances early rather than waiting for the last minute.
“The next election will be about coalitions and trust,” he said.
“I want to be part of a movement that offers Kenyans real change — one that stands for justice, equality, and opportunity.”
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