Richard Onyonka: Failed coup landed me in politics

How did you get into politics?

Despite being the son of a long-serving Cabinet Minister in the governments of both Presidents Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel Moi, the late Dr Zachary Onyonka, I got into politics by accident after the failed 1982 coup where I was among the 156 University of Nairobi students who got arrested and jailed for two years.

How did your father react to your arrest and jailing?

My father was very mad at me given that I was a Cabinet Minister's son who decided to get involved with people who had a plot to overthrow the government of his boss and friend. He could not understand how I joined "enemies" of the government.

Who are some of the people you interacted with during this period?

I interacted with ODM Party leader Raila Odinga, ANC Party leader Musalia Mudavadi, Jubilee Party vice chairman David Murathe and Ford-K leader Moses Wetang'ula who represented the arrested students in court.

How can you describe the late President Moi?

I am greatly indebted to Moi who was a very close friend to my late father. He forgave me for my truancy in 1982 and also supported me politically when my dad passed away. I am what I am today because of Mzee Moi.

You father was close ally of the late president. How was their relationship?

To show the great friendship between Mzee Moi and my father, the late president invited him to be the chief guest during a fundraiser for the construction of the ultra-modern Moi Primary School Kabarak in 1995 where I have also taken my children to school since then.

What has made you successful in politics?

My success in politics is due to having learnt from someone I consider a consummate politician, my late father.

Can you tell us a little bit about your academic journey?

I joined Kisii High School for my O-Level studies and later went to St Mary's School Yala for my A-Level studies before joining the University of Nairobi in 1980 for a Bachelor of Commerce degree before proceeding to the United States where I got a Master's degree in Economics and Public Management at the New York State and North Carolina State Universities in 1987.

What role did you play in your father's political campaigns?

When I came back to Kenya from the US in 1991, my father was unwell and asked me to join his campaign team where he sent me to various places to campaign for him as he coordinated the exercise from home and I am happy we won the 1992 election despite his poor health.

What has been the lowest moment in your life?

After the 1992 General Election, my father was appointed Minister for Science and Technology by President Moi in January 1993 and continued serving the country until October 1996 when he passed away while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Britain. His death was the lowest moment in my life since I felt that a heavy responsibility had been thrust upon my shoulders being the eldest child in our family. The obligation to carry on the leadership mantle held by my father for 26 years fell squarely on me.

What was your entry into elective politics like?

A dispute emerged in our family immediately after my father's burial, with some members feeling that my uncle, Prof Tumbo Oeri (who has since died), should go for the parliamentary seat while others felt that I should go for the seat. We both participated in the Kanu nominations, which we lost to Jimmy Angwenyi, who was elected to take over from my father in January 1997 and was re-elected in the General Election held in December 1997, which I decided not to participate in. I unsuccessfully tried my luck again in 2002.

What did you do differently that got you elected in 2007?

The 2007 General Election was a battle of titans for the Kitutu Chache seat, pitting me against James Ongwae and Jimmy Angwenyi. Ongwae and Angwenyi split the votes from their side while I managed to maintain my voting bloc, which enabled me to be elected.

Why did you choose to go for Senate seat?

I stood a high chance of being elected as the Kisii Governor but the fact that I come from the same Abagetutu clan of the Gusii Community as former Governor Ongwae worked to my disadvantage. This forced me to go for the Senate seat.

Tells us something about your family?

In the past, I have been amused by political opponents who have been peddling propaganda that I am not married. I am a polygamous man with many children which is typical of an African chief. I am proud of my heritage. I am 60 years old and my eldest daughter, who works in the US, is 35. I also have a son who is 30 and works in Britain.

One lesson that you have learnt in politics?

I learnt from my father that in politics, there are no permanent enemies. Sometimes, you can even sleep with the devil to achieve your goals. He also taught me to trust my gut feelings which I have always done.