In a political landscape often defined by permanent hostility, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has offered a rare and striking endorsement of President William Ruto. Known for his combative stance against the Kenya Kwanza administration, Kaluma’s shift signals a deepening entrenchment of the “Broad-Based Government” (BBG)—a pragmatic pact that has turned former adversaries into development partners.

The Dividends of Cooperation

Speaking in Homa Bay, Kaluma praised the President for “dignifying long-forgotten people” through targeted infrastructure projects. His commendation centers on the revitalization of the Homa Bay Pier and the construction of modern markets—initiatives he argues have moved beyond rhetoric to deliver tangible economic relief.

“President Ruto has rebuilt the Homa Bay Pier, the modern market, and affordable housing units,” Kaluma noted. “Although these may not match the scale of projects elsewhere, they have brought dignity to a region that has felt marginalized for decades.”

This is not merely political posturing. For the fisherman at the pier or the trader at the new Ndhiwa market, these projects represent a critical economic lifeline. The rehabilitated pier is expected to boost the blue economy, linking Homa Bay’s catch directly to wider markets in Kisumu and Uganda, effectively putting more money in the pockets of local families.

Beyond the Handshake

The context of this praise is the Broad-Based Government formed in mid-2024, which saw ODM heavyweights like John Mbadi and Hassan Joho join the Cabinet. Analysts view Kaluma’s comments as a consolidation of this alliance ahead of the 2027 cycle.

• Strategic Inclusion: The appointment of Nyanza leaders to key portfolios (Treasury, Energy) has softened the ground for Ruto in opposition strongholds.
• Infrastructure as Currency: The completion of the Raila Odinga Stadium—which hosted the 2025 Madaraka Day celebrations—stands as a physical monument to this new détente.
• Grassroots Impact: Beyond the flagship projects, the focus on fish landing sites in Mainuga and Nyandiwa addresses the immediate needs of the lakeside economy.

A Pragmatic Peace?

However, the praise comes with a layer of nuance. Kaluma’s acknowledgement that projects “may not match the scale” of other regions hints at a lingering demand for equity. It suggests that while the region appreciates the current development, the expectation for parity remains high.

For the average resident, the geopolitical alignment matters less than the price of unga or the availability of jobs. The affordable housing project in Homa Bay Town, now nearing completion, has employed hundreds of local youths—a statistic that resonates more than any cabinet appointment.

“We are seeing these developments with our own eyes,” Kaluma emphasized, challenging skeptics who view the ODM-UDA cooperation as purely elite bargaining. As the 2027 horizon approaches, the durability of this alliance will likely depend on whether these projects continue to deliver functional utility to the voter, or if they remain isolated trophies of a political truce.