Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has delivered a political message to Siaya Governor James Orengo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino as the two leaders continue mobilising support for the Linda Mwananchi movement in parts of Nyanza.
Kaluma, who supports President William Ruto's administration, dismissed efforts to rally the region behind the political movement associated with former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, arguing that the people of Nyanza had already made a political decision ahead of the 2027 General Election.
His remarks come weeks after the August 16 Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay was disrupted by violence that left two people dead and several others injured. Kaluma has accused leaders associated with the rally of responsibility for the chaos, allegations that have been disputed by the opposition side.
In his latest message directly addressing Orengo and Babu, Kaluma invoked Kenya's political history to explain why he believes Nyanza should not return to the political alliances of previous administrations.
«"We supported Jomo Kenyatta at independence and made him President. In exchange, he denied us development, killed our leaders/people and got his people to take the Wamera oath in 1969 never to support us to lead this country," Kaluma said.»
He similarly criticised the region's relationship with former President Mwai Kibaki, arguing that Nyanza backed his 2002 presidential campaign but was later disappointed by his administration.
«"We supported, campaigned for and made Kibaki president in 2002. In donkey-type ingratitude and monkey-type greed, he kicked us out of the government in 2005, denied us development and entrenched tribalism in Kenya," he stated.»
Kaluma also revisited the political partnership between Raila Odinga and Uhuru Kenyatta following the 2018 handshake, accusing the former president of failing to adequately reward Nyanza politically.
He claimed the region subsequently supported Raila's decision to work with Ruto, saying the late ODM leader had consulted widely before entering the broad-based government.
«"Baba took us to President Ruto in 2024 after consultations across all the ODM strongholds in Kenya. His last counsel to us before he left was that we remain united, remain in the ODM Party and remain and rebuild in the Broad Based Government under President Ruto beyond 2027," Kaluma said.»
The Homa Bay MP went further, declaring that the region's political position was no longer open to persuasion.
«"Our people have made a conscious, resolute and irreversible decision to support President Ruto and to vote for the re-election of President Ruto in 2027."»
Kaluma argued that Ruto's administration had given Nyanza greater representation in government and development opportunities than previous administrations.
He therefore challenged Orengo and Babu to abandon attempts to persuade Nyanza voters to support Linda Mwananchi, particularly in areas traditionally associated with Raila's political base.
«"It’s a waste of time for you to sell Linda Mwananchi of Uhuru Kenyatta and Gachagua in Nyanza. As a people, we owe Uhuru Kenyatta nothing," he said.»
Kaluma's strongest warning, however, centred on political violence. Referring to the August 16 confrontation in Homa Bay, he accused the visiting team of arriving with groups he described as violent.
«"You are free to campaign anywhere in Kenya for Uhuru and Gachagua. When you campaign in Nyanza, come in peace and leave in peace. Don’t carry along those hardcore murderers you brought to Homa Bay to harm our people."»
He alleged that two people were killed during the August 16 confrontation and several others injured, while maintaining that the incident would not alter the region's political position.
The Linda Mwananchi side has itself accused Kaluma and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga of inflammatory rhetoric and demanded investigations over the violence.
Kaluma concluded by appealing for calm while insisting that Nyanza should be allowed to determine its political future without intimidation.
«"Our people are peaceful and love peace. Allow us the peace to reflect, introspect and rebuild before we advance again."»
His remarks are likely to deepen the emerging political contest over Nyanza, where competing factions are seeking to inherit and consolidate the political support historically associated with Raila Odinga ahead of the 2027 presidential election.