Former TNA Secretary-General Onyango Oloo unveils new political party, declares 2027 presidential bid
PHOTO: Freedom and Opportunity Party (FOP) officials from left Anthony Kaara (National Chairman), Onyango Oloo (Party leader), Joe Mathai (Deputy Party leader), Magdalene Nzuma (Treasurer), Dean Anido (Executive Director) and George Oketch (Secretary General) shortly after the party got its registration as a political party.
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 14 – Former The National Alliance (TNA) Secretary-General Onyango Oloo has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the presidency ahead of the 2027 General Election following the full registration of his new political outfit, the Freedom and Opportunity Party (FOP).​
The registration of FOP on Monday makes it the 102nd registered political party in Kenya, signaling an expanding political landscape as key figures align themselves for the upcoming general polls.
Oloo said he was prepared to challenge for the country’s top political seat in the 2027 General Election, subject to approval by members of his newly established party.
Speaking after receiving the official registration certificate from the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, Oloo expressed his readiness to vie for the country’s top office, subject to endorsement by party members.
​“I am offering myself to contest for the top seat. If party members endorse it, I will be in the race,” Oloo stated.
Despite expressing interest in the presidency, Oloo said FOP would first concentrate on building its membership, strengthening its structures and establishing its political identity before deciding whether to enter into alliances with other parties.
He said the party would not be rushed into coalition arrangements without a clear understanding of the principles and objectives of potential partners.
The former TNA official maintained that FOP was not being formed merely to capture power, arguing that the party’s central mission was to improve the lives of Kenyans.
He said the party would be guided by its objectives rather than the pressure to secure government positions, even as political players begin negotiations ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We do not want to form the next government at all costs. Our ultimate objective is to transform lives,” he said.
Oloo said the party would also be comfortable serving in the Opposition if that was the verdict delivered by voters, describing the role of holding the government accountable as an honour.
“If Kenyans give us the opportunity to be in Opposition, we will thank them for giving us the role to check the government in place. It will be an honour,” he said.
He added that forming the next government would be preferable if voters entrusted FOP with that responsibility.“If they give us the opportunity to form government, the better,” he said.
Oloo’s announcement comes as political leaders and parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 elections, with discussions on opposition unity and the search for a joint presidential candidate remaining central to the emerging political contest.
While several political formations are expected to explore alliances, Oloo’s remarks indicate that FOP intends to assess potential partnerships based on ideological compatibility rather than joining a coalition for electoral convenience.
Speaking during the presentation of the registration certificate, Registrar of Political Parties John Cox Lorionokou challenged Oloo to remain faithful to the ideology and principles presented during the registration process.
“I want to believe that you have a reason for wanting to be there,” Lorionokou said.
He urged the party to contribute to the development of Kenya’s democracy by creating opportunities for citizens, particularly young people, to participate meaningfully in political processes.
“You stated your ideology, what you stand for. We want you to follow that and be part of the shapers of democracy in Kenya,” he said.
Lorionokou noted that young people had raised concerns about being denied adequate space within political parties and challenged FOP to provide an alternative.
