Kaluma dismisses Orengo's presidential bid, says Nyanza backs Ruto

President William Ruto has expressed growing concern over escalating violence in the Nyanza region, particularly in the ongoing political rivalry between two prominent figures, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma. The tensions have taken a dangerous turn following reports of armed clashes involving supporters of both men, which have raised alarm among local authorities and residents. The incidents reportedly occurred in the area around Emurua Dikirr, a historically significant town in the region known for its political influence. The conflict appears to be rooted in deepening divisions within the opposition Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). Orengo, who represents the Linda Mwananchi faction, has openly challenged Ruto’s dominance in Nyanza, while Kaluma aligns himself with the Oburu Oginga-led Linda Ground faction. Their rivalry intensified after Orengo declared his intention to run for president in the 2027 elections, a move that Kaluma dismissed as futile. During a voter registration rally in Homa Bay Town, Kaluma claimed that the majority of the Luo community had already committed to supporting Ruto and warned Orengo that he would struggle to secure enough votes to win the presidency. Orengo made his presidential announcement during the funeral of Newton Ogada’s son in Kasipul Constituency, where he criticized the ODM leadership under Oburu Oginga for allegedly collaborating with Ruto. He accused them of undermining the party’s unity and diluting its chances of challenging the ruling Jubilee Party effectively. Meanwhile, Kaluma questioned the viability of other potential candidates, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, whom he suggested might be groomed as a vice-presidential candidate alongside former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Kaluma also took aim at Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, accusing him of interfering in his re-election bid. He pledged support to Governor Johnson Sakaja in the upcoming Nairobi gubernatorial contest, arguing that Owino’s presence in the region was inappropriate and potentially disruptive. These statements are likely to reignite old rivalries within the ODM, which has been fractured since the death of former leader Raila Odinga. The party’s internal power struggles have left it divided into competing factions, each vying for control over key constituencies in Nyanza. Local observers suggest that the recent violence could further polarize the region, especially as the 2027 election cycle approaches. The situation has drawn criticism from community leaders, who warn that such unrest risks destabilizing the already fragile political landscape. Some residents have called for dialogue and restraint, urging all parties to prioritize national unity over personal ambitions. However, the continued escalation of hostilities suggests that finding common ground may prove increasingly difficult. The incident in Emurua Dikirr has prompted calls for increased security measures in the area, with local police reporting heightened activity in response to the clashes. While no official casualty figures have been released, witnesses described scenes of chaos, with armed groups clashing in the streets. The Kenyan National Police Service has confirmed that investigations are underway to determine the extent of the involvement of political actors in the violence. As the political stakes rise, the focus remains on whether these developments will impact the broader electoral dynamics in Kenya. With Ruto’s government facing mounting pressure to address regional disparities and ensure fair representation, the situation in Nyanza could serve as a litmus test for the nation’s stability ahead of the next general election.