Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has come under increasing scrutiny after remarks in which he appeared to warn politicians and residents against campaigning around the “one-term” narrative in the run-up to the 2027 General Election.
Kaluma, a vocal member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), made the remarks in a video that has circulated online, drawing criticism from political opponents and renewed attention to the increasingly charged political atmosphere in Homa Bay.
The legislator appeared to declare that the phrase “one term” would not be tolerated in the region while urging supporters to oppose individuals associated with the political camp pushing the message.
Kaluma was also heard warning businesses that host political opponents, particularly hotels and other accommodation facilities, that they could face consequences.
“We are going to inspect all hotels and houses where they had booked.”
He further told a gathering that youth would be involved in moving around the area, saying he had already catered for fuel for their movement.
“I have paid for fuel you will use to move across Homa Bay and Rodi.”
The comments have triggered questions over the language being used by political leaders as Kenya moves closer to the 2027 General Election, with critics arguing that politicians should exercise restraint and avoid statements that could heighten political tensions.
Kaluma takes hard line on ‘one-term’ politics
At the centre of the controversy is Kaluma’s apparent opposition to calls for President William Ruto to serve only one term.
The Homa Bay lawmaker has increasingly positioned himself among politicians advocating for continued political cooperation between sections of ODM and Ruto’s administration.
In the latest remarks, he described Homa Bay as an ODM stronghold while insisting that Ruto should serve two terms.
“This is an ODM stronghold and we insist that Ruto is two-term,” Kaluma was heard saying.
He also appeared to direct a warning at individuals within his political camp who may have shifted allegiance.
“Anyone amongst us who has worked with the other side … must now disappear.”
Kaluma’s comments have attracted particular attention because they come at a time when opposition politicians have been conducting nationwide political mobilisation ahead of 2027.
Calls for action against Kaluma
The remarks have already prompted calls for security and cohesion agencies to investigate the MP.
Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina was among the politicians who publicly criticised Kaluma, arguing that authorities should apply the law consistently when political leaders make inflammatory statements.
Maina questioned why Kaluma had not faced immediate action, saying leaders making polarising comments should be held accountable regardless of their political affiliation.
“When other leaders make polarising remarks, you are quick to take action and arrest them within 24 hours,” Maina said.
She called on the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to investigate the matter.
The controversy comes against the backdrop of heightened political activity across the country as various opposition and government-aligned groups seek to build support ahead of the 2027 polls.
Homa Bay political temperatures rise
The controversy surrounding Kaluma’s remarks has also coincided with tense political events in Homa Bay involving the Linda Mwananchi political campaign.
The group, associated with opposition figures including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Siaya Governor James Orengo, has been conducting political engagements in different parts of the country.
Its activities have increasingly placed it on a collision course with political forces aligned to the Ruto administration.
Recent events in Homa Bay included disruptions surrounding the Linda Mwananchi team’s activities, raising fresh concerns about the possibility of political disagreements spilling into confrontations between rival groups.
A hotel in Homa Bay was also reportedly vandalised during the period of heightened political activity. Police confirmed that property was damaged and items were taken after a group of youths reportedly entered the establishment.
The NCIC condemned the disruption of the political activities and indicated that it was beginning a process of summoning political actors considered responsible for contributing to the unrest.
Kaluma’s history of outspoken political statements
The latest controversy is not the first time Kaluma has attracted national attention because of his political statements.
The Homa Bay MP has consistently been one of ODM’s most outspoken legislators and has frequently weighed in on the party’s direction, its relationship with the Kenya Kwanza administration and the political calculations surrounding the 2027 election.
In March 2026, Kaluma argued that ODM should secure a significant share of government positions if its cooperation with Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) developed into a formal coalition arrangement.
He has also previously made controversial remarks concerning political support in Nyanza, including his assertion in 2025 that the Luo community could deliver four million votes to Ruto in 2027.
The statement generated considerable debate, with critics questioning the feasibility of such a voting bloc.
Kaluma’s political positioning has therefore continued to attract attention as ODM navigates internal debates over its relationship with the government and its approach to the next election.
2027 politics increasingly shaping public debate
With the 2027 General Election approaching, political alliances and succession debates have already become central to public discourse.
Ruto’s supporters have been seeking to consolidate support for his re-election bid, while opposition leaders have been working to establish a broad coalition capable of challenging the incumbent.
The emergence of the “one-term” versus “two-term” debate reflects the wider struggle over whether Ruto should be allowed to pursue a second presidential mandate.
Against this background, political leaders face increasing pressure to campaign without language that could be interpreted as threatening opponents, intimidating businesses or encouraging political exclusion.
Kaluma’s latest remarks have consequently opened another debate over the limits of political mobilisation and the responsibility of elected leaders to promote peaceful participation.
The MP has not, in the material reviewed for this report, issued a detailed public clarification explaining whether his comments were intended literally or were political rhetoric directed at rival supporters.
As the debate continues, attention is likely to shift to whether relevant authorities will investigate the remarks and whether Kaluma will offer further clarification.
The controversy comes at a politically sensitive moment, with Homa Bay emerging as one of the key battlegrounds in the increasingly competitive political contest ahead of 2027.
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