Kaluma made the remarks while reacting to a list of 27 UDA aspirants targeting parliamentary seats across Homa Bay, Migori, Kisumu, and Siaya counties ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He argued that their efforts would contribute nothing significant to President Ruto's re-election bid or development agenda in the region.
The ODM lawmaker defended his party's push for political zoning in Nyanza, saying the move is aimed at securing coalition majority numbers in parliament ahead of the next election.
He dismissed criticism of the zoning call, saying it was not out of fear of competition. He also described some of the aspirants as "sangwenyas" — a term loosely referring to politicians hired to cause chaos or intimidation.
His remarks triggered widespread outrage, with many Kenyans condemning the use of derogatory language against fellow citizens exercising their democratic right to vie for office.
Not everyone in ODM shared Kaluma's sentiments however. Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo took a different tone, welcoming UDA aspirants in her constituency and expressing confidence in fair competition.
"I notice there is mention of two UDA candidates in Suba North. I welcome your competition in Jesus' name. The antelope does not belong to anyone. Let us meet in the field," she said.
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