Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has doubled down on ODM’s commitment to remaining in President William Ruto’s broad-based government, saying the party’s cooperation with the ruling coalition will endure well into the future, even beyond Raila Odinga’s lifetime and past the 2027 elections.

In a statement shared on Friday, November 14, 2025, Kaluma pushed back against growing criticism from some quarters questioning why the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party continues to work closely with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

He argued that the party has every reason to stay in the arrangement, noting that ODM has not retreated from its political stance or activism, and has no intention of withdrawing from the government partnership.

He maintained that ODM’s focus is on long-term political stability and strategic influence, adding that those expecting the party to exit the broad-based government will be disappointed. According to him, ODM plans to remain part of the governing structure well beyond 2027, without the involvement of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his allies.

“Why are some people suddenly so concerned that @TheODMparty is in the Broad-Based Government? Did we fold the streets for those who want to protest? We are not leaving any time soon. In fact, we are going beyond 2027 without Gachagua and his associates,” Kaluma wrote.

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He stressed that ODM would continue honouring the political direction set by Odinga and maintained that joining the broad-based government was part of Odinga’s final efforts to promote equity, unity and inclusivity.

In an earlier statement on October 21, 2025, Kaluma said ODM would remain a distinct political party even as it works with President Ruto under the memorandum of understanding signed between ODM and UDA.

He also criticised leaders opposing the arrangement, including Martha Karua and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, urging them to respect Odinga’s legacy. Kaluma accused them of trying to discredit ODM’s decisions only days after Odinga’s funeral.

The broad-based government deal, signed in March 2025, has continued to stir debate within ODM. Supporters say staying in government gives the party influence and stability, while critics fear it may dilute ODM’s independent and reformist identity.

During Raila Odinga’s state funeral, President Ruto praised Odinga as a patriot and said the broad-based government was one of his final acts of unity. Ruto pledged to work closely with ODM to keep that vision alive.

Kaluma’s comments also revived his long-running criticism of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. In June 2025, he accused Gachagua of divisive politics, saying the former DP had fallen out with nearly every senior leader in the Mt Kenya region. After Gachagua’s impeachment in September 2025, Kaluma described the move as a sacred national duty and said Kenyans must keep tribalists far away from national leadership.

He later warned that giving Gachagua continuous media airtime could heighten political tensions ahead of 2027, claiming it risked fueling division and chaos.