
Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament Peter Kaluma has sparked political debate after issuing a strong statement directed at Martha Karua, asserting that her political ambitions cannot succeed without the support of ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Kaluma, who spoke firmly, emphasized that Karua’s relevance in national politics is deeply tied to Odinga, fondly referred to as “Baba.” He suggested that her recent political moves were misguided and lacked solid ground without Raila’s endorsement.
According to Kaluma, Raila remains a central figure in Kenya’s opposition politics, and any leader who attempts to bypass him is destined to fail. He stressed that Raila’s influence is unmatched and continues to shape political alliances.
The legislator further urged Karua to reassess her political strategies, pointing out that even seasoned leaders like Wiper Party boss Kalonzo Musyoka face the same challenge. He urged Karua to “search for Kalonzo” and deliver the same message.
Kaluma’s remarks come at a time when speculations about succession politics and the opposition’s direction after Raila have dominated national conversations. His comments highlight the growing uncertainty among Azimio coalition partners about life after Odinga.
He insisted that Raila remains the unifying pillar within Azimio, and any efforts to dislodge him prematurely are not only unrealistic but also detrimental to the opposition’s cohesion. Kaluma dismissed attempts to create alternative power centers.
The statement has elicited mixed reactions, with some leaders viewing it as a warning against rebellion within the coalition, while others interpret it as a suppression of emerging voices who want to step forward and lead.