The controversy erupted on Tuesday after Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma posted a strongly worded message on his Facebook account, in which he insinuated that Gachagua allegedly plotted to kill former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in 2023.
Although Kaluma did not provide evidence to support the allegation, the post spread rapidly across social media platforms, triggering shock, outrage, and heated discussion among Kenyans.
In his statement, Kaluma claimed that Gachagua harboured deep personal hatred toward Raila Odinga, going beyond normal political rivalry.
He further alleged that this hostility was evident in Gachagua’s conduct even after Raila’s death, pointing to his absence from the former prime minister’s funeral as proof of the bitterness between the two leaders.
“This hatred went beyond politics. It was personal, and that is why even in death, respect was denied,” Kaluma wrote, a remark that further fueled online reactions and polarized public opinion.
Kaluma went on to state that the Orange Democratic Movement would not forget what he described as unfair and disrespectful treatment toward its longtime leader.
He declared that ODM supporters would seek political revenge in the 2027 general elections by voting out leaders associated with Gachagua.
However, he emphasized that the party’s response would be peaceful and democratic, insisting that ODM believes in the ballot rather than violence.
The remarks immediately sparked mixed reactions across the country. Some Kenyans supported Kaluma, arguing that leaders must be held accountable for past actions and attitudes.
Others sharply criticized him for making such grave claims without substantiation, warning that the language used could inflame political tensions and undermine national cohesion.
A section of the public called for restraint, urging political leaders to tone down rhetoric and focus on unity, reconciliation, and issue-based politics instead of reopening old political wounds.
As the debate continues to unfold online, the incident has once again highlighted the fragile nature of Kenya’s political discourse as the country slowly begins to look toward the 2027 elections.
