Senator Explains the Unexpected Events That Led to the Formation of Mwananchi Party

Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has explained how the Mwananchi Party emerged from discussions within the Linda Mwananchi movement, amid questions over the political outfit’s choice of party.

He said the group initially planned to operate under the name Linda Mwananchi Party but discovered that the name “Linda” had already been taken when they visited the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP).

Onyonka said the group went to the ORPP after receiving a letter inviting them for discussions about their political party.

He said they had expected to use the name Linda Mwananchi Party, but officials informed them that the name “Linda” was no longer available.

“When we went to ORPP, we found that the name Linda, L-I-N-D-A, had already been hived off.”

According to Onyonka, the group then considered what to do with the remaining name, “Mwananchi”.

He said he suggested the name to his colleagues, including Godfrey Osotsi and Babu Owino, as the team considered its options.

Mwananchi Party Registered

Onyonka said the group later went through a process of reviewing different parties, their names and constitutions before settling on a party that members of Linda Mwananchi could identify with.

He said Mwananchi Party was eventually registered just days before the group held a rally at Jacaranda Grounds.

“Babu did not form Mwananchi Party three weeks ago. Mwananchi Party came on to being about four to five days before we went to Jacaranda.”

Onyonka added that members of the team knew that the party had been registered and were waiting to use it as they continued with their political activities.

Also Read:Babu Owino Confirms Ownership of Mwananchi Party

Onyonka Calls for One Party

The Kisii senator said the Linda Mwananchi team had discussed the possibility of having different political parties from various regions, including Western Kenya, Nyanza and Kisii.

However, he said his position was that the team should unite under one political party instead of operating through several parties.

“Our opinion, and indeed my opinion at that time, is that we as a team needed one party.”

Onyonka said having one party would allow members to become officials and build a stronger political base before potentially joining a wider coalition.

He added the party would also provide a central platform for members of the movement.

Also Read:Ruto Heads to UN : 8 Key Issues on the Agenda

The Senator Says There Is No Rift

The senator also addressed claims that Babu Owino’s involvement with Mwananchi Party had created divisions within the team or was aimed at leaving behind Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.

Onyonka said the two politicians had spoken with him and that there was no fight between them.

“I’ve spoken with Honorable Babu. I’ve spoken with Honorable Sifuna. We don’t have a fight.”

He added the group needed to remain united if it wanted to pursue its political agenda.

“If we don’t stay together as a team, we are going to hang separately in front of William Ruto.”

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Photo collage of Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka during the Linda Mwananchi rally at the Jacaranda Grounds on September 13
PHOTO/Onyonka/FB