Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma’s blunt statement—“Uhuru is lying to Matiang’i, the same way he lied to Raila Odinga!”—adds another chapter to Kenya’s long history of shifting political alliances and accusations of betrayal. With these words, Kaluma revives memories of broken promises and mistrust that have defined much of Kenya’s political landscape, especially in the post-Handshake era. His remarks are not just a criticism of former President Uhuru Kenyatta but also a warning to those who still trust him in the current political realignments.
Kaluma’s statement reflects the lingering resentment within parts of the Azimio coalition, particularly among Raila Odinga’s loyal supporters, who feel that Uhuru failed to deliver on his commitments during their partnership. The 2018 Handshake between Uhuru and Raila was hailed as a historic moment of reconciliation meant to unite the country and heal political divisions. However, in the eyes of many ODM loyalists, it eventually left Raila politically vulnerable and without the clear support that could have secured him victory in the 2022 general election. Kaluma’s assertion that Uhuru “lied to Raila” echoes this sense of betrayal and unfinished business.
By extending the same accusation to former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, Kaluma implies that Uhuru’s pattern of political manipulation continues. Matiang’i, who once wielded immense power under Uhuru’s administration, has reportedly been seeking a political comeback or protection from ongoing investigations. Kaluma’s statement suggests that Uhuru’s assurances to Matiang’i may be hollow—an attempt to appear supportive without genuine commitment. In essence, he portrays the former president as a figure who uses alliances for convenience rather than principle.
Kaluma’s remarks also reveal the deep fractures and mistrust among former allies of the previous regime. As Kenya’s political scene continues to realign under President William Ruto, old loyalties are being tested, and many leaders are reassessing their relationships. Kaluma’s comments fit into this broader narrative of shifting allegiances and accountability, where politicians are openly questioning the integrity and sincerity of their former partners.
At a symbolic level, the statement captures a recurring theme in Kenyan politics—the politics of betrayal. From Jomo Kenyatta’s fallout with Jaramogi Oginga Odinga to the collapse of alliances like NASA and Jubilee, mistrust has often defined the country’s political transitions. Kaluma’s accusation resonates with a public accustomed to leaders making promises that are rarely fulfilled. His tone reflects frustration not just with individual politicians but with a political culture where alliances are temporary, and loyalty is easily discarded for personal gain.
Kaluma’s outburst may appear personal, but it serves a political purpose: to defend Raila Odinga’s legacy while discrediting those perceived to have used or abandoned him. By labeling Uhuru as deceitful, Kaluma repositions himself as a protector of ODM’s truth and integrity, appealing to the emotions of the party’s grassroots supporters who still feel aggrieved after the 2022 election.
Peter Kaluma’s statement thus operates on several levels—personal, political, and symbolic. It exposes the fragility of trust in Kenyan politics and highlights how past alliances continue to shape present narratives. Whether one views his words as justified criticism or political theatre, they underscore an enduring truth about Kenyan politics: loyalty is fluid, promises are fragile, and history often repeats itself in cycles of hope and betrayal.
