Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has expressed confidence that President William Ruto will garner over 60% of the votes in the Luo Nyanza region in the 2027 General Election. Kaluma attributed this to the development projects initiated and completed by the Kenya Kwanza administration in the four counties occupied by the Luo community: Homa Bay, Kisumu, Siaya, and Migori. He cited infrastructural development and government employment opportunities as key factors in the community's decision to support Ruto's re-election.
According to Kaluma, the Luo Nyanza region has witnessed significant infrastructural development under President Ruto's regime. Some of the notable projects include the Lake Victoria Ring Road, which spans from Busia to Migori County. Additionally, the Rusinga Island Ring Road in Homa Bay is complete, while the Gor Mahia and Ojijo Ring Roads are ongoing. The construction of modern markets for traders has also been a major development in the region. These projects have contributed to the community's perception of Ruto's commitment to their region.
Kaluma also highlighted President Ruto's appointments of Luo members to key positions as a sign of inclusivity and trust. John Mbadi, currently serving as the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, and Dorcas Oduor, who holds the position of Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education, are notable examples. These appointments have been seen as a departure from past practices, where the community felt marginalized in government representation.
The MP's comments come in response to former President Uhuru Kenyatta's recent remarks that Raila Odinga won the 2022 presidential election against Ruto. Kaluma dismissed Uhuru's claims, stating that the electoral agency, IEBC, had declared Ruto the winner, and the results were upheld by the Supreme Court. He also accused Uhuru of attempting to manipulate the Luo community's votes by promising them a place in government.
Kaluma, who is also the current Homa Bay County ODM chairman, defended President Ruto's past support for Raila Odinga, citing his role in Raila's 2007 presidential campaign and his support for Raila's bid to become the African Union Commission chairman. He expressed skepticism about Uhuru's intentions, stating that the former president's actions have shown that he prioritizes his own interests over the needs of the Luo community.
The legislator urged eligible residents to register as voters ahead of the 2027 General Election, with a projected 4 million registrations from the four Luo counties. He emphasized the importance of voter registration, saying it will ensure the community's voices are heard in the next election. Kaluma's confidence in Ruto's support among the Luo community is based on the president's tangible development projects and inclusive appointments.
As the 2027 General Election approaches, Kaluma's predictions have sparked interest in the region's political landscape. With his assertions about Ruto's popularity among the Luo community, it remains to be seen how the community will respond to various political actors in the coming months. The Luo community's voting patterns have historically been a crucial factor in Kenyan politics, and their support will likely play a significant role in shaping the outcome of the 2027 election.
Key points
- President Ruto's development projects and appointments have won over the Luo community, with MP Kaluma projecting over 60% support in the 2027 General Election.
