Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has issued a strong warning to dissenting members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), insisting that efforts by Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino to align the party with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua will not succeed.
In a strongly worded social media statement, Kaluma dismissed claims that the two leaders could influence ODM’s grassroots support, punctuating his remarks with the emphatic phrase “NG’OOUUUUU!” to signal total rejection of the idea.
The legislator criticized Gachagua’s political record, portraying him as hostile to the Luo community and the late Raila Odinga. He argued that attempts to associate ODM with Gachagua undermine the party’s legacy and identity.
Kaluma has consistently framed the internal wrangles within ODM as a serious threat to the party’s unity.
He previously accused Sifuna, alongside Siaya Governor James Orengo and Babu Owino, of betraying Raila Odinga’s legacy by associating with Gachagua.
His latest remarks come amid heightened tensions following the removal of Sifuna as ODM Secretary General by a faction allied to Oburu Odinga.
Kaluma welcomed the move, claiming Sifuna had long abandoned the party’s ideals while remaining within its ranks.
The MP also urged Babu Owino to distance himself from Sifuna’s camp and return to the party’s mainstream leadership.
He went further to suggest that Babu should consider running as Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s deputy in 2027, arguing that Gachagua’s supporters would not back him in the city.
Kaluma further predicted that Embakasi North MP James Gakuya could emerge as a key contender for Nairobi’s top seat, supported by Gachagua’s allies.
The ongoing ODM infighting reflects broader political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections. While Sifuna, Orengo, and Babu have been appearing at rallies alongside Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka, Kaluma and his allies have pledged support for President William Ruto’s broad-based government.
Kaluma has maintained that the dissenting leaders do not represent ODM’s core support base and has called for a National Delegates Council meeting to restore order within the party, describing their actions as indiscipline rather than democratic expression.
As the 2027 General Election approaches, the struggle for control of ODM and its strong support base in Nyanza and Western Kenya continues to intensify, with rival factions digging in for a prolonged political contest.
Post a Comment