Kisii County Senator Richard Onyonka has indicated he is open to joining the Jubilee Party if invited by former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, highlighting the pragmatic approach guiding his political decisions.
Speaking in an interview on Monday, November 10, 2025, Onyonka stressed that his party affiliation will be determined by the best strategy to secure electoral victory rather than strict ideological alignment. He added that he remains comfortable staying with ODM if no invitation is extended, as he prepares to contest the Kisii gubernatorial seat.
“Politics in Kenya is shifting. If I find that I will win my seat with the Jubilee Party, that’s what I’ll do,” Onyonka said, underscoring the strategic nature of political manoeuvres in the country.
Onyonka also described his support for Matiang’i as a personal commitment that could influence his political path:
“Because I’ve taken my space and time to support Fred Matiang’i, if he asked me to join Jubilee, I would seriously consider that and join him. If he doesn’t, I am comfortable remaining in ODM.”
Reflecting on his political history, Onyonka explained that moving between parties has often been necessary to navigate Kenya’s competitive electoral landscape:
“I’ve never won an election with more than one party. Every move I made, every time I was moving away, it was because I saw I was going to be rigged out, so I moved ahead of the opposition.”
Over the years, Onyonka has been affiliated with PDP, ODM, and Ford Kenya, strategically adjusting his affiliations to secure party nominations and maintain political viability.
The Senator also expressed willingness to engage in coalition arrangements, including potential alliances involving ODM, Jubilee, and other opposition parties, signalling flexibility as the 2027 elections approach.
Former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, recently named the Jubilee Party presidential flagbearer and serving as the party’s deputy leader, remains a key ally of Onyonka.
