From left :National Chairman Anthony Kaara, Party Leader Onyango Oloo, Deputy Party Leader Joe Mathai, Treasurer Magdalene Nzuma, Executive Director Dean Anindo and Secretary-General George Oketch. Oloo said FOP would field a presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election.
By Peace Muthoka
NAIROBI, Kenya — Former The National Alliance (TNA) Secretary-General Onyango Oloo has declared his interest in contesting the presidency in the 2027 General Election following the registration of his new political party, the Freedom and Opportunity Party (FOP).
Oloo received the party’s full registration certificate on Monday, marking its entry into Kenya’s political landscape as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the next election.
The new outfit becomes the 102nd registered political party in Kenya, adding to the growing number of formations seeking to influence the country’s political direction ahead of the 2027 polls.
Speaking after receiving the certificate, Oloo said he was ready to seek the country’s top seat, 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,” he said.
Despite declaring his presidential ambitions, Oloo said FOP’s immediate priority would be to build its membership, strengthen its grassroots structures and establish its political identity before deciding on possible coalition arrangements.
He said the party would not rush into alliances without first assessing whether potential partners shared its principles and objectives.
Oloo maintained that FOP was not being established merely to gain political power, saying its main goal was to improve the lives of Kenyans rather than pursue government positions at any cost.
“We do not want to form the next government at all costs. Our ultimate objective is to transform lives,” he said.
He added that the party would be willing to serve in the Opposition if that was the choice made by voters, describing the role as an opportunity to hold the government accountable.
“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,” Oloo said.
However, he said forming the next government would be preferable if voters entrusted the party with that responsibility.
“If they give us the opportunity to form government, the better,” he added.
Oloo’s announcement comes as political parties and leaders begin shaping their strategies for the 2027 General Election, with opposition unity and the search for a joint presidential candidate featuring prominently in political discussions.
While parties are expected to explore possible coalitions, Oloo indicated that FOP would consider partnerships based on ideological compatibility rather than electoral convenience.
Speaking during the presentation of the registration certificate, Registrar of Political Parties John Cox Lorionokou urged Oloo and his team to remain faithful to the ideology and principles they presented during the party’s registration process.
“I want to believe that you have a reason for wanting to be there,” Lorionokou said.
He challenged the new party to contribute to strengthening Kenya’s democracy by creating meaningful opportunities for citizens, particularly young people, to participate 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 inadequate opportunities to participate in political parties and urged FOP to provide an alternative by opening up space for their involvement.
With its registration secured, FOP now faces the task of building a national profile, attracting members and translating its stated principles into a political programme ahead of the 2027 elections. Whether Oloo will ultimately receive his party’s endorsement for the presidential race will depend on the decision of its members.
