Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament Peter Opondo Kaluma issued a pointed statement on social media during the Linda Mwananchi team's political tour of Homa Bay County on Wednesday.

Kaluma reminded the visiting politicians that key infrastructure in the county — including the airstrip, piers, and roads — was developed under President William Ruto’s administration. He emphasized that neither former President Uhuru Kenyatta nor former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua contributed to these projects.

"When you come to Homa Bay, please remember the airstrip, the piers and the roads you land, anchor and drive on as you shout your useless 'wantam' political slogans have been built by President William Ruto. Your Gachagua and Uhuru built nothing here and never cared to know we exist," Kaluma wrote.

He reaffirmed his allegiance to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and expressed support for President Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027, stating, "We are in the ODM Party. We're in the Broad Based Government. We support President Ruto and we'll vote for him in 2027."

Linda Mwananchi Tour and Political Context

The Linda Mwananchi campaign, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo, conducted a series of rallies aimed at persuading residents to align with their faction within ODM ahead of the 2027 general election. This faction seeks to distance locals from the rival group led by Raila Odinga’s brother, Oburu Oginga.

The political landscape in ODM has been fragmented following the death of former party leader Raila Odinga in October last year, resulting in competing factions under Oburu and the Sifuna-Orengo alliance.

Allegations and Official Assurances

Both Kaluma and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who chairs the Oburu-led ODM faction, were accused of planning to disrupt the Linda Mwananchi rallies. They denied these claims but urged residents to recognize President Ruto’s development record and support his 2027 presidential bid.

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omolo assured the public that the Linda Mwananchi rallies would proceed without interference.