Onyonka: Kalonzo-Matiang’i ticket likely opposition lineup for 2027
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has hinted at a potential Kalonzo Musyoka–Fred Matiang’i ticket as the most viable opposition lineup for the 2027 presidential election, citing their experience and leadership credibility.
Speaking on a local media station on Monday, May 5, 2025, Onyonka expressed confidence in either of the two leading the country, commending their track records and integrity.
“If Fred Matiang’i is given the opportunity to become president of Kenya, I believe his mind and conscience are at a place where he wouldn’t take the country any lower than it is. If Kalonzo Musyoka is president of the Republic, I will sleep well,” he stated.
Onyonka praised Kalonzo’s extensive political experience, having served under three past presidents—Moi, Kibaki, and Raila Odinga.
He argued that this background has equipped Kalonzo with the necessary skills to lead the country effectively.
“Those servings he did with these regimes. All he needs to do now is combine those experiences and understand what the biggest challenges were and what opportunities we missed,” he added.
While acknowledging the abilities of other opposition leaders such as Eugene Wamalwa, whom he described as articulate, clean, and principled, Onyonka insisted that the most formidable ticket at the moment appears to be either Kalonzo-Matiang’i or Matiang’i-Kalonzo.
“I’ll tell you the truth. I love Eugene Wamalwa. I think he’s a person who’s great. He speaks well. He articulates. He’s clean, but I think the frontrunners are either Kalonzo Matiang’i or Matiang’i and Kalonzo. That’s where we are,” he stated.
Past mistakes
Onyonka further framed the upcoming 2027 elections as an opportunity for national redemption, suggesting that many political leaders are reflecting on past mistakes made during the 2022 elections.
“What we are trying to say is that even Rigathi Gachagua can be president. We have all learnt from the mess we created. And all these people are actually going through their guilt trip. We are going through our guilt trip. How can we fix our country? How can we pick it up and put it in a position where it’s a country that will be respected? We’ve done badly,” he admitted.
The senator emphasised that many current and former leaders are now engaged with the country’s challenges more seriously, driven by a sense of responsibility to leave Kenya in a better state.
“So my feeling is that all these people are engaged with the issues. And I believe that they will participate and make sure that we leave Kenya a better place,” Onyonka said.
