Onyonka ditches Ford Kenya, joins ODM
Kitutu Chache South MP Richard Onyonka has officially ditched Ford Kenya led by Moses Wetangula for Raila Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Raila received Onyonka at the party's headquarters, Chungwa House.
Onyonka had earlier revealed why he relinquished his position as FORD Kenya deputy party leader, citing a conflict of interest.
In a televised interview on Monday, November 22, Onyonka said he made the decision to step down from the party's leadership owing to his belief in former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
"I am no longer a party leader in FORD Kenya. I actually relinquished my position two weeks ago when the party held its National Delegates Conference (NDC). I couldn't stay in FORD Kenya when I actually believe in Raila," Onyonka said.
The legislator was quick to add that he is still an MP, since he is yet to tender his official resignation from FORD Kenya.
In October, Onyonka who supports Dagoretti North Simba Arati’s gubernatorial quest for Kisii county urged the region to support Raila in the 2022 Presidential race.
“I urge you to support former prime minister Raila Odinga's presidential bid and Arati for governor,” Onyonka said.
Onyonka was accompanied by Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohammed and Kisii Gubernatorial aspirant Simba Arati among other ODM members.
A fortnight, ago the former premier received into the party Marsabit Woman Representative Safia Sheikh Adan who joined the Movement from the Jubilee party.
Adan said she made the decision after wide consultations with her family and supporters and pledged to rally her supporter behind Raila.
“We are happy to welcome defectors and returning party members back home to ODM. The ODM movement is steadily reloading day after day and all Kenyans from all walks of life are welcome at our table,” Raila said.
