National Assembly Member Catherine Omanyo has reiterated that political power remains the central goal of any political party, saying that participation in government is not optional but a key objective in constitutional politics.

Speaking during an interview on K24 TV on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, Omanyo said parties that enter politics without an ambition to govern often misunderstand their purpose and role in shaping national direction.

“There is no party that comes into politics and does not want to be part of government. We have been answering the question of ‘we want power’ but people did not understand,” she said.

Omanyo argued that political parties must move beyond constant opposition rhetoric and instead position themselves to influence decisions from within government structures.

She said political engagement should focus on self-sustainability and strategic participation rather than remaining outside decision-making spaces.

“We stop being beggars. We should be doing things that are self-sustainable,” she said.

Article 7 and pursuit of power

The legislator pointed to Article 7 of her party constitution, saying it clearly outlines the objective of attaining political power through lawful and constitutional means.

“Article 7 gives them the pathway to attain power,” she said.

Omanyo further explained that discussions around coalition politics and government participation are often misunderstood by critics who question why parties seek alliances with those in power.

She said political reality often becomes clearer when leaders are part of decision-making structures.

“Once you cannot know, you don’t know what you are missing until you are inside and on the table that decides who takes what, what goes where,” she said.

Inside the table of decisions

Omanyo likened political exclusion to being outside key national negotiations, arguing that real influence comes from being part of the institutions where decisions are made.

“We have been outside the fence and making noise. There is nothing wrong when they come inside the compound and being part of the bakers of the cake,” she said.

She maintained that inclusion in governance is necessary to ensure equitable distribution of resources, warning against scenarios where power is concentrated in one region while others remain excluded.

“They must have power, not one region having everything and another one having nothing,” she said.