Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has officially endorsed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna for president in 2027 dealing a major blow to Fred Matiang’i.
The declaration made on Saturday July 18 2026 also saw Onyonka back Embakasi East MP Babu Owino for Nairobi Governor. This marks a significant shift within opposition circles.
Onyonka has long been considered one of Matiang’i’s key allies in Western Kenya. Their relationship dates back years through shared opposition mobilization efforts across the region.
Despite this history Onyonka had quietly maintained ties with the Linda Mwananchi movement led by Sifuna. His latest move now tilts that balancing act decisively toward Sifuna.
Videos circulating online show Onyonka describing Sifuna as presidential material and a strong voice against the status quo. He praised their shared focus on governance reform and anti corruption efforts.
The endorsement follows growing momentum for Sifuna after his fallout with ODM leadership this month. He recently gained support from Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya during meetings held in Kitale.
Political analysts view this development as part of wider realignments shaking up opposition politics. Matiang’i had recently met with Linda Mwananchi figures including Onyonka and Owino seeking opposition unity.
Cracks within that unity effort are now becoming visible according to observers following the region closely. A recent Infotrak survey showed Sifuna paired with Kalonzo Musyoka gaining more traction than Matiang’i.
Onyonka’s move highlights Sifuna’s growing appeal among younger urban and reform minded voters. Many of these supporters appear increasingly disillusioned with traditional political heavyweights within the opposition.
The senator has not completely cut ties with Matiang’i despite his new endorsement of Sifuna. This has left room for speculation about ongoing negotiations or a possible kingmaker role ahead.
Critics have labelled Onyonka opportunistic citing his history of shifting between different ODM factions. Kisii politics often shaped by both national alliances and local dynamics adds further complexity to his stance.
For Matiang’i this defection signals difficulty consolidating support within Western Kenya ahead of 2027. Sifuna’s rising momentum threatens to fragment opposition votes as political alliances continue shifting rapidly across the country.