By Magati Bw’Obebo
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has ditched former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i for the Linda Mwananchi political outfit, in a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Onyonka, however , downplayed the move saying he was joining the party with the blessings of Matiangi.
Dr Matiangi had not confirmed the claim by press time
Onyonka said he had been tipped to be be the party Treasurer, he told NationAlert by phone.
The political outfit is scheduled to be officially launched on Friday.
“Yes, I have decided to join them partly because am also among the founders and two I will help as a Treasurer,” Onyonka said.
The development marks a significant shift in the senator’s political positioning in the Gusii region, where Matiang’i has been viewed as a potential presidential contender seeking to consolidate support ahead of the next election.
Onyonka’s decision to join Linda Mwananchi comes amid growing divisions within the opposition, particularly within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), over the party’s political direction and the leadership of its next presidential campaign.
The Linda Mwananchi faction, associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, has emerged as a rallying point for leaders advocating a different approach to opposition politics.
The group has attracted politicians including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Siaya Governor James Orengo, amid efforts to build a political platform ahead of the 2027 polls.
Onyonka had previously endorsed Sifuna for president, signalling a shift in his political calculations as opposition leaders position themselves for the next electoral contest.
The senator’s anticipated appointment as treasurer would give him a formal role in the emerging outfit at a time when political formations are seeking to establish structures, mobilise supporters and define their national agendas.
His departure from Matiang’i’s camp could also have implications for political alignments in Kisii County, where the former Cabinet secretary has been associated with efforts to build a strong regional and national support base.
Onyonka however downplayed it when pressed if he was dumping Matiangi.
"How else can we know what is happening if we can't embrace Sifuna? " He posed when Nation Alert reached out to him by phone.
The unfolding realignments come as leaders begin negotiating alliances that could determine the shape of the opposition and its presidential candidate in 2027.
Linda Mwananchi is expected to unveil its political party and headquarters in Nairobi on Friday before holding a rally in Kwale County on Saturday.
Onyonka’s move is likely to intensify debate over the political loyalties of Gusii leaders and the direction they will take as the country edges closer to the next General Election.
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