Kaluma: I Won’t Be Silenced, I Back Ruto’s Wins but Won’t Spare His Flaws

Homa Bay, Kenya — September 22, 2025, 15:00 EAT.

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has dismissed claims that he has gone soft on President William Ruto’s administration, affirming that he will continue offering objective political criticism while supporting policies that benefit Kenyans.

The Latest

Speaking during a press briefing in Homa Bay on Monday, Kaluma said he is committed to “balanced politics,” where leaders support government successes while keeping it accountable for missteps.

“I have not been silenced, No!” Kaluma said firmly, responding to speculation that he had shifted political allegiance. “I support President William Ruto where he does well, just as I also oppose mistakes by his administration.”

Kaluma insisted that Kenyans deserve leaders who “speak truth to power” while fostering bipartisan cooperation on matters of national importance.

Context in Brief

• Kaluma has been a vocal legislator on constitutional reforms, devolution funding, and human rights.

• His remarks come amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, with some opposition MPs warming up to Ruto’s administration following the March 2025 “broad-based government” agreement.

• Critics had claimed Kaluma was leaning toward government positions after supporting certain bills sponsored by Ruto’s allies.

Law, Policy, and Process

• Constitutional Mandate: Article 95 of the Constitution empowers MPs to represent constituents, legislate, and oversee national revenue and expenditure.

• Oversight Role: Kaluma emphasized that parliamentary oversight remains critical to ensure transparency in public finance, procurement, and service delivery.

• Checks and Balances: By law, MPs can support government motions while still scrutinizing policy implementation and expenditure reports.

Voices and Stakeholders

• Kaluma: “I support the president where he delivers for Kenyans, but I will not keep quiet when things go wrong.”

• Opposition Analysts: Some political commentators argue that opposition MPs risk blurring lines of accountability if they cooperate too closely with the executive without clear frameworks.

• Constituents: Homa Bay residents interviewed by local media said they expect leaders to prioritize development projects over political grandstanding.

Evidence & Data

• Kaluma has voted with government MPs on at least 3 major bills this year, including the Infrastructure Funding Bill and the Education Reform Act, but opposed the Controversial Tax Amendment Bill in July.

• Homa Bay County received KSh 9.2 billion in equitable share allocation in the 2024/25 budget, with MPs under pressure to ensure prudent spending.

Risks and Implications

• Governance: Balanced criticism could foster bipartisan collaboration but may also split opposition ranks ahead of 2027.

• Public Perception: Voters may view cooperation with government as pragmatism—or betrayal—depending on local priorities.

• Policy Outcomes: Constructive opposition could strengthen oversight on key sectors like education, health, and infrastructure.

What We Don’t Know

• Whether other ODM MPs will adopt Kaluma’s “support-and-criticize” approach.

• How this stance might affect ODM’s position on 2027 electoral alliances.

• Whether Ruto’s administration will incorporate bipartisan input into policy planning.

Timeline

• March 2025: Broad-based government agreement signed between Ruto allies and sections of opposition MPs.

• July 2025: Kaluma opposes the Tax Amendment Bill despite supporting education reforms.

• September 22, 2025: Kaluma reaffirms balanced political stance in Homa Bay.

What to Watch

• ODM’s official position on bipartisan cooperation ahead of 2027.

• Legislative proposals from Kaluma on devolution funding and governance reforms.

• Reactions from ODM leadership and opposition hardliners to his stance.