The outspoken lawmaker said his personal story has often puzzled many Kenyans, especially after the death of his mother, Teresa Nyaboke Omoke, when questions emerged about why he does not use the surname Omoke.
Speaking openly about his upbringing, Onyonka explained that he was raised by both his biological family and a foster family that played a major role in shaping his life and future.
According to the senator, his childhood involved moving between different homes and adapting to two family identities from an early age.
He said the experience exposed him to unique challenges but also taught him resilience and humility.
Onyonka revealed that the name “Onyonka” came from the foster family that took him in and supported him during his formative years.
He described the foster father as a strong figure who treated him like his own son despite him having biological parents elsewhere.
The senator noted that although he remained connected to his biological roots, the foster family became the foundation of his education, discipline, and eventual political journey.
He explained that public interest in his surname intensified after the burial of his mother, Teresa Nyaboke Omoke, when many people noticed the difference between her family name and the one he currently uses.
Onyonka described his late mother as a hardworking and determined woman who struggled to ensure he received an education despite the difficulties facing the family at the time.
He added that growing up between two homes helped him appreciate the value of extended family support systems that are common in many African communities.
The senator also defended the African tradition of fostering children, arguing that many successful people owe their achievements to relatives, guardians, and foster parents who stepped in during difficult moments.
According to Onyonka, his life story reflects the reality faced by many children raised through community and family support networks rather than conventional household structures.
He encouraged young people facing difficult family backgrounds or identity struggles not to lose hope, saying personal challenges should never stop anyone from pursuing education and success.
The Kisii senator maintained that both his biological and foster families remain an important part of his identity and personal history, and he expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to his upbringing and success.
The senator noted that although he remained connected to his biological roots, the foster family became the foundation of his education, discipline, and eventual political journey.
He explained that public interest in his surname intensified after the burial of his mother, Teresa Nyaboke Omoke, when many people noticed the difference between her family name and the one he currently uses.
Onyonka described his late mother as a hardworking and determined woman who struggled to ensure he received an education despite the difficulties facing the family at the time.
He added that growing up between two homes helped him appreciate the value of extended family support systems that are common in many African communities.
The senator also defended the African tradition of fostering children, arguing that many successful people owe their achievements to relatives, guardians, and foster parents who stepped in during difficult moments.
According to Onyonka, his life story reflects the reality faced by many children raised through community and family support networks rather than conventional household structures.
He encouraged young people facing difficult family backgrounds or identity struggles not to lose hope, saying personal challenges should never stop anyone from pursuing education and success.
The Kisii senator maintained that both his biological and foster families remain an important part of his identity and personal history, and he expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to his upbringing and success.