Onyonka declares Gusii support for Mataing’i and hints at a new party

Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has announced that the Abagusii community will support Fred Matiang’i in his presidential bid for the 2027 general election.

In a press release shared through his X account, the outspoken senator described the endorsement of the former Interior CS as a crucial step in a political process that will empower the community to actively participate in shaping its political future.

The former MP has been among the fierce critics of the Kenya Kwanza administration and is a ranking of the ODM MPs’s resistance towards a government he has accused of failed leadership.

“It is evident that Kenya is ripe for a political/leadership turnaround. We are prepared to be part of this. Therefore, we commit that we will be supporting Dr. Fred Matiang’i as our presidential candidate in the next General Elections. We will be making more announcements on this matter in due course.” Onyonka said.

 The 2010 Constitution liberated us from the servitude of non-democratic actions, curtailing us from making independent choices and participating in political pursuits freely, fairly and pushing for our equitable role in the political front,” part of his presser said.

“Therefore, having keenly scrutinized the current developments in our nation through broad consultations and soul searching, the Gusii Community, guided by our country’s democratic values, we envision for our own party that will propel our political interests at the national level,” Onyonka said.

 The new development arises amid growing concerns that the Gusii region is being overlooked. The area did not secure any positions in the four ODM chief slots after the broad-based government was established in July 2024. inclusion in the broad-based government back in July 2024.

In an effort to address the ongoing unrest, Raila Odinga held a meeting with party members from Nyamira and Kisii counties on August 5, 2024. However, he faced opposition from leaders like Onyonka regarding Ruto’s government, who was notably absent from the meeting.

The ODM MP further weighed in on the debate surrounding the party’s treasurer, Timothy Bosire, whose turning down of a job offer from Ruto is described as historic.

 “Additionally, we agree with the ODM Party Treasurer Hon. Timothy Bosire’s decision to decline a smack-in-the-pan appointment as the NTSA non-executive chair from President William Ruto. This appointment was frivolous. Hon. Bosire’s decision comes at a critical time when our country is undergoing economic turmoil resulting from unstable policies from the current regime. This places him in the precincts of history as a principled patriot who refused to be part of a dysfunctional system. We respect and support his decision.” he added.