In a statement that has already ignited fierce national debate, Kaluma framed the next election as a decisive moment to dismantle what he termed “ethnic domination” in Kenya’s highest office.
At the heart of his argument lies a longstanding grievance in Kenyan politics: the perception that
certain communities—particularly the Kikuyu—have wielded disproportionate influence over the presidency since independence.
Kaluma pointed to demographic realities, arguing that a community making up less than 16% of the population should not, in his view, determine leadership outcomes for the rest of the country.
His remarks tap into a sensitive and deeply rooted issue—ethnicity in Kenyan politics. Since the reintroduction of multi-party democracy in the 1990s, voting patterns have often mirrored ethnic alignments.
Critics argue that this has undermined national cohesion, while proponents claim it reflects the realities of identity and representation in a diverse society.
Kaluma, however, went further, alleging that electoral manipulation—specifically “fake voters”—has enabled this dominance.
He called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to undertake a radical cleanup of the voter register, even suggesting a complete re-registration exercise if necessary.
Such a move, while bold, would be logistically complex and politically explosive, raising questions about feasibility, cost, and potential resistance from stakeholders.
Equally significant is his demand for universal access to identification cards through the State Department for Citizens Services.
In Kenya, lack of ID cards has historically disenfranchised certain communities, particularly in marginalized regions.
Ensuring every adult Kenyan has identification could, in theory, reshape the voter base and alter electoral dynamics.
Yet, perhaps the most striking part of Kaluma’s statement is his political prediction. He expressed unwavering confidence that President William Ruto will secure a landslide victory in 2027, claiming he could win over 70% of the vote.
Kaluma even projected that the Luo community alone would deliver four million votes—a claim that signals a potential realignment in Kenya’s traditional voting blocs.
This assertion is particularly noteworthy given the historical political stance of the Luo community, which has often been aligned with opposition figures.
If Kaluma’s projection holds any weight, it could indicate shifting alliances and a reconfiguration of Kenya’s political landscape ahead of 2027.
However, his comments have also drawn criticism for potentially inflaming ethnic tensions. Framing an election around “ending domination” risks deepening divisions rather than fostering unity.
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