Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has confidently declared that all upcoming by-elections in Kenya will be won either by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) or the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), sidelining the prospects of emerging political outfits. In a bold statement posted on social media over the weekend, Kaluma dismissed rival parties as lacking the political muscle to pose a serious challenge.
“All upcoming by-elections will be won by ODM and UDA. The opposition can delay the swearing in of the IEBC for as long as they want, but they won’t escape their fate! ODM-UDA 50 bila break,” Kaluma stated.
His remarks come amid growing anxiety over the continued delay in the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), which has put several by-elections on hold. The MP insisted that the delayed IEBC swearing-in would not alter the political reality on the ground, asserting that the two dominant parties already enjoy widespread support.
“They don’t have the numbers,” Kaluma added, referring to smaller parties that have been eyeing a chance to expand their influence.
Kaluma’s assertion appears to contradict claims by Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who recently reaffirmed his belief that his newly-formed Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) will capture multiple seats. Gachagua has been rallying support and building grassroots structures in anticipation of the by-elections, claiming that Kenyans are ready for a third political force beyond ODM and UDA.
Key areas where by-elections are expected include Baringo (senatorial seat), Banisa, Magarini, Ugunja, Malava, Mbeere North, and Kasipul. These vacancies have arisen due to deaths of sitting MPs and Senators, Cabinet appointments, and court rulings.
While the IEBC’s current state continues to stall the electoral calendar, political temperatures are rising, with major parties positioning themselves to dominate. Whether DCP can disrupt the duopoly of ODM and UDA remains to be seen, but Kaluma is clear: the future, in his view, belongs to the two giants.
