Homa Bay MP Hon. George Peter Opondo Kaluma has taken to X (formerly Twitter) to issue a stark warning to President William Ruto about the shifting political dynamics in the country.
The lawmaker accused Mount Kenya leaders of betraying the President, alleging that their support for Ruto in the 2022 general election was not based on loyalty but a shared disdain for opposition leader Raila Odinga. He linked this to the infamous “1969 Wamera oath,” suggesting that historical grievances have influenced the region’s political strategy.
Kaluma wrote:
“President @WilliamsRuto, Mt. Kenya is gone, kabisa! They didn’t vote for you; they voted against Raila due to their undone 1969 Wamera oath. In exchange for their votes, they were to rule as you reign – you were/are to repay their votes by excluding the other Kenyans, especially Luo’s, from development and public service – Gachagua was/is their messenger for this. By insisting on ethnic and regional inclusion in your government and in sharing of national resources, you have committed a fundamental breach of their ethnic creed! No amount of projects and public service appointments will return them. Smell the coffee! Act fast to consolidate your new bases. Refuse to heed, and perish!”.
Ruto’s Balancing Act
Kaluma’s remarks appear to criticize the Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, for allegedly fronting an exclusionary agenda on behalf of Mount Kenya. The MP warned that Ruto’s attempts to create a more inclusive government could alienate the very base that propelled him to power.
This statement comes amid growing murmurs of dissatisfaction within Mount Kenya, with some leaders questioning the distribution of government resources and appointments. Kaluma’s call for Ruto to shift focus to his “new bases” could be interpreted as an invitation to embrace regions previously under Raila’s influence, such as Nyanza, Western, and the Coast.
Political Fallout
The tweet has triggered widespread debate, with political analysts speculating on the long-term implications of Mount Kenya’s waning allegiance to Ruto. It also raises the question of whether the President will heed Kaluma’s advice or double down on efforts to regain the region’s trust.
Ruto’s administration has not responded to the controversial statement, but allies of the President have dismissed Kaluma’s assertions as divisive rhetoric aimed at derailing national unity efforts.
The Way Forward
As the political tides shift, Ruto faces a critical decision: to continue his inclusive approach or risk alienating key regions in his bid to consolidate power. For now, all eyes remain on the State House, awaiting the President’s next move.
Is Kaluma’s warning a wake-up call or a calculated political jab? Only time will tell.
