ODM leader Raila Odinga’s 2022 presidential bid has received a major boost after former Ford Kenya deputy party leader Richard Onyanka joined his camp ahead of the 2022 elections.
During Citizen TV’s morning show on Monday, November 22, the Kitutu Chache Member of Parliament revealed that he relinquished his party position two weeks ago.
Onyonka explained he walked out of Ford Kenya because he believes in voting for President Uhuru Kenyattta’s handshake partner Raila Odinga in the 2022 General Election.
“I defected, I am no longer the party leader. 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 (Odinga),” Onyanka said.
The former Ford Kenya deputy party leader said he is still the representative for Kitutu Chache since he has not formally written a letter to the speaker.
He said he is yet to figure out his new party but will do so after resigning in February 2022.
“I will figure out my new party when the time comes. I am still a fully-fledged member of parliament. For me to lose my seat I have to officially write my resignation later which I will do in February but am no longer the deputy party leader,” said
Two weeks ago, Ford Kenya leader and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula published a list of new officials in the dailies, further deepening the wrangles in the party.
In a move intended to reinforce the senator’s faction, the party replaced Onyanka with Millicent Anyango Abudho as Ford Kenya deputy party leader.
This comes at a time when the Ford Kenya party-endorsed Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula for the presidency in the 2022 elections.
