Once again, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has found himself at the centre of political drama—this time, claiming to clear the air over supposed secret talks between former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i and the Kenya Kwanza government. The man known for hopping from one party to another like a leaf in the wind is back in full spin mode. But with a history of betrayal, backdoor deals, and shifting loyalty, who really trusts Richard Onyonka anymore? Not the people. Not even the politicians he defends. Richard Onyonka may shout the loudest in defending Fred Matiang’i, but his track record of flip-flopping, betrayal, and drama makes it hard to believe his latest denials. [Photo: Courtesy] Richard Momoima Onyonka Dismisses Kenya Kwanza Negotiations Claims Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka took to X to issue a strong denial of claims that former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i is in secret negotiations with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza government.
“There is NO negotiation going on between Dr Fred Matiang’i and anyone in government,” he declared. “The person purporting to speak for Dr. Matiang’i is an impostor.”
The dramatic rebuttal was typical Onyonka — loud, defensive, and meant to stamp out what he called politically motivated lies. But coming from a man whose political resume reads like a game of musical chairs, the statement raised more questions than answers.
Onyonka insisted that Matiang’i remains committed to the opposition. He accused unnamed forces of spreading falsehoods to confuse supporters and damage the former CS’s chances in the 2027 elections.
The denial came just days after Matiang’i himself told Citizen TV that he was in talks with several political groups, though he carefully avoided any mention of Ruto or Kenya Kwanza.
“I am in consultations with several political parties and several political leaders across the board,” Matiang’i said. “I honestly think that if I made a choice now and stuck to one political party, I would disadvantage the others.”
So, is Onyonka telling the full truth — or playing damage control for a man with silent ambitions? Richard Onyonka’s History of Party Hopping and Betrayal To understand why many doubt Onyonka’s loyalty or honesty, look no further than his political past.
Richard Onyonka started in Ford-Kenya , then jumped ship to ODM when it suited him. Now, his allegiance is as unstable as ever — floating around whatever path Matiang’i chooses to take next.
He has made a career of switching sides whenever the political wind changes direction. His public outbursts and emotional pressers are well-known, but behind the scenes, he's often the first to hold secret meetings, cut quiet deals, and then rush to the microphone to “clarify” things.
While he lashes out at others for sowing confusion, Onyonka himself is a top-tier political shape-shifter.
He accused Kisii Governor Simba Arati of undermining opposition unity, but many believe Onyonka is simply rattled by the governor’s growing popularity.
“Simba Arati’s reckless attacks on the former DP and other opposition figures do not represent the will of the Abagusii,” Onyonka fumed during a recent rally.
But critics saw the statement for what it was: a desperate attempt to shield Matiang’i and regain relevance as Arati continues to consolidate ground support.
In truth, Onyonka’s position seems less about principle and more about proximity to power. Matiang’i Keeps His Cards Close While Richard Onyonka Plays the Clown Fred Matiang’i , despite the noise surrounding him, has so far played his cards smart. He has not publicly confirmed any deal with Kenya Kwanza—but he has also not shut the door.
His recent interview suggests that he is shopping for a strong political vehicle. Whether that ends up being Raila Odinga’s ODM, Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper, or even a new alliance with Ruto’s camp remains to be seen.
And that’s where Richard Onyonka fits in. The senator seems eager to position himself as Matiang’i’s official spokesman, even when no one asked him to. His loud declarations seem designed more to silence speculation than to clarify facts.
Many now believe Onyonka is acting out of fear — fear that if Matiang’i actually joins Ruto, his own political standing in the opposition will collapse.
By painting Arati as the problem and pushing the narrative that “there is no negotiation,” Onyonka is trying to steady a ship that may already be drifting. But Kenyans are watching. They have seen Onyonka jump before. They’ve seen him deny involvement, only to turn around and show up at campaign rallies for his supposed opponents.