In the ever-fractious and shifting political landscape of Gusii, Senator Richard Onyonka stands out as a veteran often described—both by allies and critics—as a master of political acrobatics.
Over close to three decades in public service, his career has been defined by calculated, but sometimes risky, shifts that have kept him relevant through every political cycle.
First elected to Parliament in 2007 on Omingo Magara's People's Democratic Party (PDP) ticket for Kitutu Chache, Onyonka quickly gravitated towards Raila Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
In the Grand Coalition Government of President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Odinga, he was appointed Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Opposition leaders from left: Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata and Siaya Governor James Orengo during a Linda Mwananchi Movement political rally at Kivulini Grounds in Thika, Kiambu County, on June 14, 2026.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group
While serving in that docket, Mr Onyonka began tilting towards his then boss, Moses Wetang'ula, and his FORD-Kenya party.
Ahead of the 2012 General Election, he was elevated to Deputy Party Leader of Ford-Kenya. Yet when the election cycle arrived, he executed yet another swift about-turn, returning to ODM.
Mr Onyonka was subsequently elected on the ODM ticket as the first Member of Parliament for the newly created Kitutu Chache South Constituency, hived off from the larger Kitutu Chache.
Until recently, Onyonka was one of the most vocal champions of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang'i's presidential ambitions.
Moving from constituency to constituency across Gusii, he drummed up support for the former CS, urging the Abagusii community to rally behind one of their own for the presidency.
For over a year, the Kisii Senator was arguably the loudest voice calling on both the Gusii nation and the country at large to coalesce around Matiang'i.
But in recent months, Onyonka has unexpectedly shifted his political weight to align with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna's Linda Mwananchi movement.
As he traversed the country with Sifuna to popularise the new outfit, political observers began questioning why he sounded more like a Sifuna proponent than a Matiang'i foot soldier.
Articulate and fluent in public speaking, Mr Onyonka initially dismissed those predicting a full defection, branding them naysayers.
He argued that the broader opposition, to which Matiang'i belongs, was pursuing a common goal and that supporting Sifuna did not amount to abandoning Matiang'i.
Opposition leaders from left: Kisii County Senator Richard Onyonka, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Jubilee Party leader Dr Fred Matiang'i, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino after a private at a Nairobi hotel on September 10, 2026.
Photo credit: Billy Ogada | Nation Media Group
"The opposition is one team. I cannot abandon Matiang'i for Sifuna or Sifuna for Matiang'i. They are playing in the same league," he told supporters at one rally.
To the astonishment of many, Onyonka proved his critics right on Friday October 30 after he was appointed Treasurer of Linda Mwananchi, effectively sealing his pivot from Matiang'i's camp.
When contacted by the Daily Nation to explain his shifting loyalties, he offered an evasive but telling response: "You will see it today. I am still a member of the opposition. But I will be in Linda Mwananchi."
Political analyst Omondi Okumu asserts that Mr Onyonka's flip-flop nature is not new to politics; rather, it is a defining characteristic of his career.
This tendency to shift allegiances reflects the adaptability often required in a dynamic political landscape, suggesting that Onyonka's strategy may be more about survival and relevance than loyalty.
"For Onyonka, the move to Linda Mwananchi may be less about abandonment and more about reinvention – a familiar script in a career built on reading the political winds early," said Mr Okumu.
Prior to his defection, Onyonka had endorsed Sifuna as a "president in waiting" and the "incoming president" ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The endorsement coincided with Sifuna's official unveiling as leader and presidential flagbearer of The Equitable Party (TEP) on October 4, 2026.
During the TEP party (which was on Friday rebranded to Linda Mwananchi Movement Party) launch, Onyonka was careful to acknowledge other opposition figures, including Dr Matiang'i, emphasising collaboration.
"Both of them are our brothers. Fred is one of the best managers I have ever known. If he becomes president, hallelujah. But you see, look at this young guy. How can I lose Sifuna so that I get Fred?" he posed, capturing the delicate balancing act that has come to define his political brand.
