Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has stated that former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioner Dr Roselyn Akombe is his wife, a claim that has drawn public attention following remarks he made during preparations for a family funeral in Kisii County.
Onyonka made the revelation while addressing mourners in the lead-up to the burial of his mother, scheduled for Friday, May 15, 2026, in Mosocho.
In his remarks, the senator said Akombe had been closely involved with his family and had accompanied his mother to the United States during medical treatment.
“Roselyn Akombe is my wife,” Onyonka said, adding that he would use the funeral occasion to formally introduce members of his family, including those he described as part of his wider household.
The senator also disclosed that he has 12 children and described himself as a polygamist, a statement that added further public interest to his remarks.
Akombe, who is widely known for her role as an IEBC commissioner, resigned from the electoral body in 2017 during the highly contentious repeat presidential election period.
Her resignation at the time attracted national and international attention, with concerns raised over the electoral environment and her safety.
She has since maintained a relatively low public profile, working in international development and governance spaces outside Kenya.
Onyonka’s comments have sparked discussion, largely because Akombe has not publicly confirmed the nature of her relationship with the senator. There has also been no official statement from her in response to the claims.
The remarks were made in a personal and family setting, but quickly gained traction due to the public profiles of both individuals. Onyonka is a seasoned politician and current senator, while Akombe remains a recognisable figure in Kenya’s electoral history.
As preparations for the burial continue, the senator has indicated that the event will also serve as a moment for family recognition and gathering.
For now, the statements remain those of Senator Onyonka, with no independent confirmation from Dr Akombe regarding the claims.