Kaluma: Raila’s protest intervention saved Kenya from collapse
By Cy Muganda, July 24, 2025Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has defended ODM leader Raila Odinga’s decision to form a pact with President William Ruto amid the 2024 Gen Z-led protests, saying the veteran politician’s intervention saved Kenya from descending into chaos.
Speaking during an interview on a local media station on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, Kaluma pushed back against critics who have accused Raila of betraying the youths, arguing that the country owes Raila a debt of gratitude for stepping in when the stakes were high and national unity was at risk.
“I hear still singing, Baba betrayed us. If Baba did not intervene through this patriotism, you would not be having a country today. Possibly, you would be a refugee somewhere. You would not be in school,” Kaluma stated, addressing young people who have been critical of Raila’s recent political positioning.
The MP expressed hope that Kenyans would eventually recognise Raila’s contribution to national stability, particularly his role in de-escalating political tensions that threatened to destabilise the country.
“I just hope, against hope, that a time will come in this lifetime when the country will reflect on what Raila has been to this country and how he has stepped into the gap when the country needs a true patriot and thank him,” Kaluma said.
Message to critics
The Homa Bay legislator called on Kenyans to allow President William Ruto to deliver on his mandate, noting that the head of state is implementing development programs that could form the basis of his re-election campaign.
“Let us allow President Ruto, with the mandate he was given, to run the country. And I can say in my own assessment, more so at the level of national resources, we are seeing developments across the country, which in good time he can stand on to campaign,” Kaluma observed.
“That is not to say people should not oppose him. Those who want to oppose him will oppose him, including our party,” Kaluma added.
ODM’s future
The legislator further affirmed that ODM would field a presidential candidate in the next general election, clarifying that coalition agreements—if they happen—typically follow after parties nominate their own flagbearers.
“For certainty, let me say here, ODM will have a presidential candidate in the next election and other future elections,” he declared.
“If it comes to a coalition, we will have negotiations, and ODM will be proud to be the flag bearer. If the negotiations result with a party we agree to go into coalition with, we will also proceed in that manner,” he added.