MP Kaluma Under Scrutiny After Video Captures Alleged Incitement Remarks
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Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has come under scrutiny following remarks captured on video in which he appeared to make statements targeting the opposition.
In the video, Kaluma appeared to warn individuals associated with the opposition against working against his political side.
"Anyone among us who is working with the other side (the opposition), even if they are a driver and feel that they cannot walk with us, should leave," he said.
Kaluma also appeared to threaten businesses in Homa Bay Town whose owners may be perceived to be supporting or accommodating opposition figures.
"We will inspect all the hotels where they stay. If you own a hotel in Homa Bay Town, because we will be moving around with these people, we may even 'destroy' your hotel," he added.
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Kaluma described Homa Bay as an ODM stronghold while declaring his support for President William Ruto serving two terms.
He also appeared to issue a warning against those advocating for a single presidential term.
"This is an ODM stronghold, and we insist that Ruto will serve two terms. If someone says one term, 'deal' with them," he further said.
Kaluma's comments have drawn criticism from political leaders, with Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina calling for his arrest and prosecution over the remarks.
"When other leaders make polarising remarks, you are quick to take action and arrest them within 24 hours. Peter Kaluma has made serious remarks, yet he continues to walk free," she said.
Maina called on the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to intervene, arguing that Kaluma should already have been arrested and taken to court.
"Let me tell the NCIC chair, who is a bishop: do what you are supposed to do. Peter Kaluma should have been arrested by the DCI by now and presented before a court," she added.
Elsewhere, former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa has responded to Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale after he questioned her ability to read.
In his remarks, Duale claimed that he would help Jumwa read Cabinet papers because she could not understand its contents.
"Do not be threatened by one of your sisters who has lost her way. I used to sit next to Aisha Jumwa in the Cabinet and help her read Cabinet papers. She could not even explain them. I felt embarrassed," he said.
Jumwa, however, disputed Duale's account of their relationship in Cabinet, saying he rarely spoke to her during their time together.
She recalled an incident involving Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, whom she said she had taken to meet President William Ruto.
"I once sat with you in the Cabinet, and there was never a day you spoke to me, except for that one day when I took Hassan Joho to meet President William Ruto," she said.
According to Jumwa, the Cabinet meeting that followed the meeting between Joho and Ruto was the occasion when Duale confronted her over the decision to take Joho to State House.
She accused the Health CS of using insulting language against her.
"The following day, we had a Cabinet meeting, and that was the day you spoke to me with a lot of bitterness and insults, asking why I had taken Joho, a drug baron and an illiterate, to meet the President at State House," she added.
Jumwa further alleged that Duale dismissed her when she attempted to explain her decision and accused him of hypocrisy in his current criticism of her.
"You insulted me; when I wanted to explain why I had done so, you told me to leave. Such hypocrisy will not help you, nor will it help anyone who sees you as a pillar of support," she further said.
Reporting originally appeared via Nairobi Leo. Read the full source for additional context.