Mwai Kibaki. Photo: Courtesy
ODM-affiliated Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has sparked debate after sharing a strongly worded political statement reflecting on the legacy of former President Mwai Kibaki.
In a post shared on X, Kaluma posed a rhetorical question on what Kenyans remember Kibaki for, before listing what he described as four defining issues from the former president’s tenure.
The lawmaker accused the Kibaki administration of entrenching tribalism, presiding over large-scale corruption, and overseeing a disputed electoral process that culminated in violence.
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Kaluma claimed that the optimism following the 2002 elections, which ended KANU’s long rule, was later undermined by ethnic politics and governance failures.
He further linked Kibaki’s presidency to what he termed “grand corruption,” a reference to scandals that dominated public discourse during that period.
The MP also revisited the disputed 2007 presidential election, alleging electoral manipulation and blaming the outcome for the 2007/08 post-election violence.
The violence left more than 1,600 people dead and hundreds of thousands displaced, marking one of the darkest chapters in Kenya’s history.
Kaluma’s remarks appear aimed at framing the political narrative ahead of future debates on governance, accountability, and electoral integrity.
As a vocal ally of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), his comments also reflect long-standing opposition positions regarding the events surrounding the 2007 election.
Supporters of the late former president have in the past defended Kibaki’s legacy, pointing to economic growth, infrastructure expansion, and free primary education during his time in office.
Kaluma’s statements, however, underline how Kibaki’s presidency remains a subject of sharp political division more than a decade after he left power.
The comments have since drawn mixed reactions online, with Kenyans revisiting historical grievances and achievements associated with the former head of state.
Reactions;
Citizenken: There has been no leadership in Kenya that has put the needs of Kenyans FIRST. None. Including the current.
Benson Mweresah: Sahi umekua clever sana, when your leader was given nusu mkate no evil was seen.
Vin Jarongo: Hio namba three inafanya nikumbuke William Ruto Sana,,let him know that 2027 tutadeal na yeye.
Josephat Keboi: Worst president ain't even a discussion...its sad it took thousands dying and our nation humiliated for him to even smoothen his wrong tendencies and behaviours.
Kennedy Odabo: You sound like a jilted lover who goes around Scandalizing her husband after being thrown out on account of promiscuity! If yow can't recognize Kibaki's work which was superb and one of the most transformative in our history, you are pursuing a personal vindictive agenda.