Former The National Alliance (TNA) Secretary-General Onyango Oloo has declared his interest in the presidency after unveiling the Freedom and Opportunity Party (FOP), which received its full registration certificate on Monday at the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties in Westlands, Nairobi.
Speaking after receiving the certificate, Oloo described the development as a major milestone and confirmed his presidential ambitions.
“I am offering myself to contest for the top seat. If party members endorse it, I will be in the race,” he said.
However, Oloo said FOP would prioritise building its membership, strengthening party structures and establishing its political identity before considering possible alliances with other political formations.
He said the party would not rush into coalition arrangements without first assessing whether potential partners shared its principles and objectives.
Oloo maintained that FOP was not being formed merely to capture power, saying its main objective was to improve the lives of Kenyans.
“We do not want to form the next government at all costs. Our ultimate objective is to transform lives,” he said.
He said the party was also prepared to serve in the Opposition if that was the choice of voters, arguing that holding the government accountable was an important responsibility.
“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.
Oloo added that the party would welcome the opportunity to form the next government if voters entrusted it with the responsibility.
“If they give us the opportunity to form government, the better,” he said.
He said he was ready to contest the presidency in the 2027 General Election, subject to endorsement by members of the newly registered party.
His announcement comes as political parties and leaders position themselves for the 2027 elections, with talks on opposition unity and the search for a joint presidential candidate expected to shape the political landscape.
Although parties are likely to explore coalition arrangements ahead of the polls, Oloo said FOP would assess potential partnerships based on shared principles rather than electoral convenience.
During the presentation of the registration certificate, Registrar of Political Parties John Cox Lorionokou urged Oloo to remain faithful to the ideology and principles the party had outlined during the registration process.
“I want to believe that you have a reason for wanting to be there,” Lorionokou said.
He challenged the party to contribute to strengthening 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 inadequate opportunities to participate in political parties and challenged FOP to offer an alternative by giving them meaningful space in its structures and activities.
FOP becomes Kenya’s 102nd registered political party, joining a growing list of political formations positioning themselves ahead of the next General Election.
