Kaluma slams Kalonzo over association with Rigathi Gachagua
Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Kaluma has criticised Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka over his political engagements with the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) party leader Rigathi Gachagua.
In a statement on Thursday, September 11, 2025, Kaluma accused Kalonzo of betraying the Azimio coalition and its leader, Raila Odinga, by associating with Gachagua, whom he described as a divisive figure.
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“VP Kalonzo, you left PM Raila for Gachagua. We’ve nothing to do with anyone who associates with Gachagua, for he believes Kenyans who are not from his tribe do not belong and have no stake in this country. Enjoy your association with Gachagua in peace – keep Baba out of your mouth,” Kaluma said.
Kaluma’s criticism of Kalonzo comes after Gachagua reaffirmed opposition unity.
Kalonzo on the 2022 elections
His remarks come a day after Kalonzo opened up about what he describes as one of the most painful nights of his political career, the evening he learnt that Raila Odinga had dropped him as a running mate in favour of Martha Karua ahead of the 2022 General Election.
Speaking at the Iko nini podcast on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, Kalonzo revealed that the announcement was delivered to him personally at his Karen home, where Raila arrived accompanied by National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed.
It is worth noting that Kalonzo, alongside Eugene Wamalwa, criticised Raila Odinga for backing the government, accusing him of aiding President William Ruto’s re-election bid.
The two had gone to break the news that Raila would move forward with Karua, leader of the NARC-Kenya party, as his deputy pick under the Azimio la Umoja coalition.
“So Raila came, sat at the fireplace, and told me, ‘My brother Steve, nimeangalia hii maneno. I have just come from a place where professionals have said that the mountain will be very excited with Martha’s candidature and the NGOs and civil groups will be excited,” Kalonzo recalled during a recent address.
He described the moment as deeply disappointing, saying he turned to Raila and told him bluntly: “I now believe why Kenyans say you will never be president.”
Kalonzo felt betrayed by Raila
Kalonzo went on to argue that the decision to replace him was not only a personal betrayal but also a political miscalculation.
He reminded Raila that in 2013, when they first contested together, and again in 2017, they had come close to unseating former President Uhuru Kenyatta. With Uhuru later backing Raila during the 2022 elections, Kalonzo felt there was an even stronger case for maintaining their long-standing partnership.
By choosing Karua, he insisted, Raila had overlooked the value of consistency and loyalty in favour of a gamble that did not pay off.
Kalonzo admitted that at first, he rejected the offer to remain within the coalition and instead declared that he would pursue the presidency on his own.
