When he took microphone on Friday at Manga Isecha, Kitutu Chache South MP Richard Onyonka did not disappoint at least to those who know how he plays political games at least for survival.
At the function attended by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Onyonka was quick to castigate Deputy President William Ruto, accusing him of undermining the former premier.
"Let him stop stealing. Let him come open and tell us where he gets such money. The other day, he didn't know that I was sent by you Prime Minister to spy on him. I did my work though," said Onyonka amid laughter.
“Raila si rika lako, unamtusi kila asubuhi na jioni, twambie pesa ya dam mnapeleka wapi… (Raila is not your age mate that you keep abusing each morning and evening. Tell us where you took the money meant for dams) …” said Mr Onyonka.
Barely two months ago, Onyonka was the lead campaigner for Dr Ruto in Gusii region. At a meeting in Kapsabet Boys, Onyonka had promised to deliver for DP Ruto in the two counties that have a projected 1.2 million votes by 2022.
Elected on PDP in 2007 to represent Kitutu Chache, Onyonka bounced back in 2013 on ODM ticket. The former Foreign Affairs assistant minister had a turmoil in the orange party due to his double speak.
At some point, he briefly joined Jubilee before coming back to ODM. Later, he moved from ODM to Ford Kenya, in which he was elected for the third term.
An orator par excellence like his late father Dr Zachary Onyonka, Mr Onyonka Junior is now keen to succeed Governor James Ongwae in 2022. He may have left Ruto's camp because one of the contestants, Deputy Governor Joash Maangi, is also a close ally of Ruto.
Despite joining Ford Kenya in 2017, Onyonka convinced Mr Odinga to rally behind his bid. On a phone call, Odinga declared support for the stylish MP perhaps due to his traditional friendship with him.