Kenya Insights

Tag: Homa-Bay MP Peter Kaluma

  • Kaluma Injured as Goons Attack, Bodyguard’s Firearm Stolen During Kasipul By-Election

    Kaluma Injured as Goons Attack, Bodyguard’s Firearm Stolen During Kasipul By-Election

    Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma was on Thursday injured after he was attacked by a group of youths at Agoro Sare Primary School during the Kasipul Constituency by-election. His bodyguard was also assaulted and is reported to have lost his firearm in the chaos.

    Kaluma, who is serving as the ODM Party’s chief agent in the by-election, arrived at the polling station in the morning to monitor the voting process.

    Moments later, a rowdy group confronted him, sparking a violent confrontation that left him with a head injury. Images from the scene showed the MP being escorted away with blood on his face and shirt as his team sought medical attention for him.

    Speaking to reporters shortly after the incident, Kaluma said he believed the attack was politically motivated. He claimed that his opponents had sent goons to disrupt the voting exercise and intimidate ODM agents. He also accused independent candidate Philip Aroko of instigating the violence, a claim that Aroko has not publicly responded to.

    Witnesses said the group that attacked the MP confronted him shortly after he arrived with one of the aspirants. The motive of the assault remains unclear, although tensions have been rising in Kasipul throughout the campaign period. Security officers rushed in to restore order and voting resumed under heavy police presence.

    The MP’s bodyguard, who was also injured, was disarmed during the scuffle. Authorities are investigating how the firearm went missing and have launched a search operation.

    ODM candidate Boyd Were Ong’ondo urged residents not to be intimidated by the violence. He appealed for calm and encouraged voters to continue turning out, saying the people of Kasipul should not allow hired gangs to influence the outcome of the election.

    The attack on Kaluma added to a series of incidents reported in the run-up to the by-election. Police confirmed that there were disturbances on Wednesday night in parts of Narok and Kakamega, where several people were injured in election-related confrontations. In Kakamega Town, a man accused of involvement in rigging was held captive and beaten before being rescued and taken to hospital. In Narok, a ward candidate was reportedly accosted by unknown individuals.

    The National Police Service said voting began smoothly in most centres despite isolated cases of unrest. NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said officers are working closely with the IEBC to safeguard the process and protect both voters and polling officials. He said security teams are on standby to respond to incidents and urged members of the public to report any suspicious activity.

    IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon assured voters that security has been heightened across the constituency. He said each polling station has at least two officers on duty and mobile teams are patrolling various locations to ensure a peaceful environment. He encouraged voters to remain calm and exercise their democratic rights without fear.

    Investigations into the attack on MP Kaluma and the stolen firearm are ongoing. Authorities have cautioned political actors against inflaming tensions as the tallying process continues.

  • We Are in Government, We Will Not Join Your Useless Protests, MP Kaluma Says Ahead of Gen-Z June 25 Memorial March

    We Are in Government, We Will Not Join Your Useless Protests, MP Kaluma Says Ahead of Gen-Z June 25 Memorial March

    Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has publicly distanced himself and his community from the planned Gen Z memorial protests scheduled for June 25, 2025, labeling them as “useless” and unproductive.

    In a fiery statement posted on his official X account on Thursday, June 19, 2025, Kaluma emphasized that his constituents, having long been at the forefront of political activism, are now focused on nation-building and governance rather than street demonstrations.

    Kaluma’s remarks come amid heightened tensions following deadly protests in Nairobi on June 17, 2025, sparked by the death of digital content creator Albert Ojwang while in police custody.

    The demonstrations, which began peacefully, turned violent, with reports of looting, clashes with police, and the widely condemned shooting of an unarmed hawker by officers.

    The upcoming Gen Z memorial protests aim to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the 2024 Finance Bill protests, during which over 60 people lost their lives and Parliament was stormed, ultimately forcing the government to withdraw the controversial bill.

    In his X post, Kaluma declared, “Our people will not join you in your useless street protests. We have been on the streets, dying for you, since independence. We are in government, busy rebuilding after years of neglect.”

    The MP, a vocal supporter of the government following the Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) alliance with President William Ruto, expressed frustration over what he perceives as the exploitation of his community in past political struggles.

    He argued that their decades-long participation in protests has come at a significant cost, and they are now prioritizing governance and development.

    Kaluma also took aim at opposition leaders, accusing them of manipulating youth to participate in protests for personal gain while shielding their own families.

    In a prior post, he warned young Kenyans against being used as “pawns” by opposition figures, alleging that some leaders exploit public unrest to secure donor funding.

    “The visionless opposition leaders are inciting other people’s children to head to the streets as they remain behind sharing out donor funding,” Kaluma stated, citing activist Boniface Mwangi as an example of those who allegedly benefit financially from protests without taking personal risks.

    A screenshot of Kaluma’s X Post.
    A screenshot of Kaluma’s X Post.

    The MP’s comments have drawn attention to the silence of ODM leader Raila Odinga, who has remained notably quiet on governance issues since his party joined forces with Ruto’s administration.

    Critics argue that this alliance has softened ODM’s stance on public dissent, with Kaluma’s remarks reflecting a broader shift within the party.

    Meanwhile, preparations for the June 25 memorial protests are underway, with Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda confirming that authorities have received formal notification of the planned demonstrations.

    Speaking to the media on June 18, 2025, Seda assured the public of adequate security measures to ensure safety for both protesters and non-participants. “We will provide enough security to ensure every person who is going to participate, and even those who are not participating, is safe,” he said.

    However, he urged demonstrators to maintain peace and avoid disrupting businesses, noting that past protests had turned violent due to provocations.

    Kaluma’s dismissal of the protests has sparked mixed reactions. While some view his stance as a pragmatic call for stability, others see it as a betrayal of the youth-led movement demanding accountability and justice.

  • Are You Homosexuals? MP Kaluma Questions Stanbic Bank Boss Joshua Oigara Gifting Maina Kageni

    Are You Homosexuals? MP Kaluma Questions Stanbic Bank Boss Joshua Oigara Gifting Maina Kageni

    Homabay MP Peter Kaluma and a leading anti-LGBTQ campaigner in parliament has questioned the sexual orientation of media personality Maina Kageni and Stanbic Bank CEO Joshua Oigara.

    Kaluma was reacting to a suggestive photo that Maina had posted posing with Joshua who had gifted him the bank’s hamper.

    “Sometimes it’s the unexpected acts of kindness that touch us the most. I’m blown away by the beautiful gifts and heartfelt thanks I received from Mr. Joshua Oigara and the team at Stanbic Bank. I’m humbled by your generosity and friendship. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!” Maina wrote.

    This appears to be part of a Stanbic Bank’s marketing campaign. However, the MP could appear unconvinced, “are you guys homosexuals?” He posed.

    But it was not just the MP who had a similar reaction. Curious comments came under Maina’s post on X.

    The photo.

    “This is the most awkward gifting posture I have ever seen.” Josh Tety commented.

    “Remember both of them are not married ? This is a clear sign.” wrote Kibet.

    “Y’all look amazing together❤” Josh reacted.

    “Haiya…what is this now…that pose yawa.” Pius Kinuthia reacted.

    “Looks like a couple.” Rodgers Kipembe said.

    Peter Kaluma’s Anti-LGBTQ Bill

    Last year, Kaluma submitted the Family Protection Bill to the National Assembly.

    The new bill proposed a ban on homosexuality, same-sex marriages and any hint of LGBTQ behaviour in the country. It also prohibits the promotion of LGBTQ in the country by clumping down on its promoters and funding by various groups.

    The bill if passed will uphold the prior rights of parents and guardians to their children’s education.

    It will reassert the rights of parents to be informed and to consent to sexuality education, and abortion procedures involving their children.

    Homa Bay MP Peter Kaluma.
    Homa Bay MP Peter Kaluma.

    According to Kaluma, the bill defines sex as the biological state of being male or female observed and assigned at birth.

    The MP also wants the state to limit rights to assembly, demonstration, association, expression, belief, privacy, and employment in childcare institutions in respect of homosexual convicts.

    The bill further prohibits adoption by homosexuals and proscribes sex acts on animals.

    The legislator said the bill if passed will have the penalty imposed under the proposed Act ranges from the imprisonment of at least 10 years to death.

    Kaluma has since maintained that homosexuals should be punished because it is illegal in Kenya.

  • Peter Kaluma: Homa-Bay MP Introduces Dangerous Proposal To Assault Anti-Corruption Laws

    Peter Kaluma: Homa-Bay MP Introduces Dangerous Proposal To Assault Anti-Corruption Laws

     Peter Kaluma, the Homa-Bay Town Mp, has put forth a bill that would allow graft convicts to run for office and hold public positions in a stunning display of audacity.

    Kaluma seeks to undermine the hard-fought progress made in the battle against corruption by proposing the removal of Section 64 of Chapter Six of the Constitution, which currently disqualifies corruption and economic crime convicts from occupying public office.

    This outrageous proposition is a slap in the face of justice and a grave disservice to the people of Kenya.

    Homa Bay MP Peter Kaluma

    Homa Bay MP Peter Kaluma Undermining the Fight Against Corruption

    The proposed amendment by Kaluma disregards the principles of accountability and integrity and weakens the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act of 2003.

    Section 64 was put in place to ensure that individuals convicted of corruption or economic crimes do not continue to occupy positions of power, where they can exploit their influence and perpetuate further corruption.

    By seeking to delete this crucial provision, Kaluma is providing an opportunity for corrupt individuals to evade the consequences of their actions and potentially continue their illicit activities within the corridors of power.

    The Fallacy of Rehabilitation

    Kaluma argues that a convicted individual will have already served their punishment and that the ten-year ban on holding public office is unfair.

    This line of reasoning ignores the purpose of the ban, which is to protect public institutions from being tainted by individuals who have abused their positions for personal gain.

    The ban acts as a deterrent, discouraging potential corrupt officials and demonstrating the severity of corruption as a crime. Removing this ban would undermine the fundamental principles of justice and accountability.

    Erosion of Deterrence

    The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has raised concerns about the dangerous implications of Kaluma’s proposal. By allowing corruption convicts to be appointed back to the very offices they held before their convictions, the proposed amendment undermines the deterrent effect of the law.

    The fear of being barred from public office for ten years has served as a crucial deterrent for public officials who might otherwise be tempted to engage in corrupt practices.

    Removing this fear would create an environment conducive to corruption, where individuals would have little to lose by engaging in graft.

    Homa Bay MP Peter Kaluma Proposal: A Setback to the Fight Against Corruption

    Kenya has made significant strides in recent years to combat corruption and restore public trust in the government. However, weak anti-corruption laws have long been identified as a major obstacle to achieving lasting change.

    Kaluma’s proposal, if successful, would roll back the progress made and hamper the efforts of anti-corruption crusaders. We cannot afford to dilute the legal framework that holds corrupt individuals accountable.

    The proposed amendment risks sending the wrong message to the public, suggesting that corruption is tolerable and that the consequences for such crimes can be easily circumvented.

    Conclusion

    Peter Kaluma’s proposed bill to allow corruption convicts to run for office and hold public positions is a regressive and dangerous assault on anti-corruption laws in Kenya.

    By seeking to delete Section 64 of the Constitution, Peter Kaluma is undermining the progress made in the fight against corruption and weakening the deterrence measures that have been put in place.

    It is crucial that lawmakers reject this ill-conceived proposal and reaffirm their commitment to upholding integrity, accountability, and justice.

    The people of Kenya deserve leaders who are committed to fighting corruption, not those who seek to protect the interests of the corrupt.