Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has dismissed PLO Lumumba’s call for urgent national dialogue, accusing the legal scholar of echoing ideas that opposition leader Raila Odinga had proposed a year ago, only to be rejected by the very voices now calling for action.
Kaluma’s remarks were triggered by Lumumba’s statement on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in which the former Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission boss said that if he were president, he would convene an immediate and serious national dialogue to address the country’s deepening unrest.
Lumumba criticised the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO), labelling it a forum crafted to serve the political elite, and called for a more inclusive platform bringing together a cross-section of society, including religious leaders, youth, county leaders, academics, women’s groups, and the disciplined forces.
“If I were the President of Kenya today, I would call for a serious and urgent national dialogue, not NADCO, which is designed to serve the political class,” Lumumba said.
“In my meeting, I would bring together the entire political leadership, the religious community, county leaders, academics, young people, women’s organisations and the disciplined forces. I hope the president takes this step before the next declared protest.”
But Kaluma was quick to point out what he viewed as hypocrisy, mocking Lumumba’s sudden concern as late and opportunistic.
Taking to his X account on Wednesday, July 3, 2025, the MP fired back with a poetic jab in defence of Raila Odinga’s foresight, reminding Kenyans that the opposition chief had called for national dialogue long before protests engulfed the country.
“Crying for dialogue a whole year after Baba called for it, and they shouted ‘reject’! What Baba can see while seated by the shores of Lake Victoria, they can’t see from a plane flying at an altitude 50,000 feet above sea level!” Kaluma posted.
Raila’s honour
Kaluma’s good words about Raila come hot on the heels of his proposal to rename the Thika Superhighway to the Raila Odinga Highway in tribute to the former prime minister’s instrumental role in the road’s conception, planning, and execution.
In a statement shared via his official X account on Monday, June 30, 2025, Kaluma urged that despite facing fierce opposition, including legal challenges from landowners aimed at halting the construction because properties, homes and businesses were being demolished along the route, Odinga stayed laser‑focused and saw the project through to completion.
Kaluma emphasised that renaming the road is more than symbolic; it is a matter of historical accuracy and justice, noting that the ODM leader remained focused and built the Thika Highway against all resistance, underscoring the need to duly recognise and honour his unwavering leadership.
“Against stiff opposition from the people, including by filing cases to stop the works on the ground that he was demolishing their properties and businesses alongside the road, Baba remained focused and built Thika Highway! Kaluma proposed.
“We must give Baba his due credit and honour.”
