MP Kaluma under scrutiny over 'deal with one-term supporters' remarks
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MP Kaluma under scrutiny over 'deal with one-term supporters' remarks
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His incendiary remarks, seen in an undated video while addressing a small crowd, warned those uttering the phrase of dire consequences.
Speaking in his native Luo language, he also warned hotels in the town against hosting those in the one-term camp, threatening firm action against any that did.
He even intimated that groups of youth will be deployed to inspect the hotels, adding that he has paid for fuel to facilitate their transport.
"We are going to inspect all hotels and houses where they had booked. Anyone who owns a hotel in Homa Bay must tell us all the guests they have. We must deal with those people and we might deal with the hotel too," he said.
"I have paid for fuel you will use to move across Homa Bay and Rodi."
He threatened all "one-term" supporters of deadly ramifications, saying they must "disappear" before action is taken.
"As from today we have issued the command that if anyone says one term, deal with them," he said.
"Anyone amongst us who has worked with the other side, even if they were a driver, and feel they cannot walk with us, must now disappear. This is an ODM stronghold and we insist that Ruto is "two-term".
This came ahead of a triumphant, dusty and forceful entry of the Linda Mwananchi faction in Homa Bay on Sunday that turned chaotic as youthful groups, said to be politically sponsored, disrupted the procession armed with weapons.
In a report made to the police by the hotel manager, Robert Odongo, the youth invaded the hotel at around 8 pm, where they shattered windows, destroyed furniture and other equipment, and carted away some items.
Police confirmed the vandalism and theft of hotel items, adding that by the time they got to the hotel, the vandals had left on motorbikes.
The nation's hate speech regulator, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), has remained tight-lipped on the matter, but condemned the attack on the Linda Mwananchi faction, terming it a threat to peace
It however disclosed that it has begun the process of summoning political actors whom it considers responsible for the unrest and holding them to account.
Kaluma's remarks have invited censure from the opposition-allied legislators, as Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina has accused security and cohesion agencies of applying the law selectively in dealing with inflammatory political 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.
The events follow heightened political tensions as the nation gears to the 2027 General Election.
Linda Mwananchi, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Siaya Governor James Orengo, have maintained stiff public engagements across the nation in a bid to woo Kenyans to vote out President William Ruto.
Other politicians alike include former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Jubilee Deputy leader Fred Matiang'i, PLP party leader Martha Karua, Wiper boss Kalonzo Musyoka, amongst other political leaders.
They have accused the administration of sponsoring violence to cause political unrest in a bid to cripple competition.
Reporting originally appeared via Citizen Digital. Read the full source for additional context.