Matiang’i Allies Respond to Onyonka Betrayal Claims After His Move to Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi Party

Allies of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i have broken their silence following Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka’s decision to join Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi Party, dismissing suggestions that the move amounts to political betrayal.

The debate intensified after Onyonka attended the launch of Linda Mwananchi Party headquarters in Lavington, Nairobi, on Thursday, where he was appointed the outfit’s national treasurer.

His new position sparked mixed reactions among Matiang’i’s supporters, with some questioning whether the Kisii senator was shifting his political allegiance away from the Jubilee presidential hopeful.

However, Richard Mwebi, a United Progressive Alliance aspirant for Kitutu Chache North, has defended Onyonka, maintaining that his association with Sifuna should not be interpreted as abandoning Matiang’i.

Mwebi argued that opposition politicians were pursuing a common objective of building a formidable political alliance capable of challenging President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.

He further revealed that Onyonka had played a significant role in bringing Sifuna and Matiang’i closer as opposition figures explored possible cooperation ahead of the next polls.

According to Mwebi, Matiang’i was concentrating on expanding his political influence across the country, while Onyonka was engaging leaders from different communities to strengthen opposition partnerships.

He also cautioned supporters against assuming that Onyonka’s appointment signalled support for Sifuna’s presidential ambitions, insisting that opposition leaders had not agreed on a joint candidate.

Meanwhile, DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua has declared his willingness to contest the presidency, although he maintains that the opposition will eventually settle on one flag bearer five months before the election.

Onyonka, meanwhile, is preparing to challenge for the Kisii governorship in 2027, setting the stage for another closely watched political contest in the county.