Homa Bay town MP Peter Kaluma has sensationally claimed that the dramatic incident where he was captured wrestling with his opponent at a rally attended by ODM party leader Raila Odinga was an attempt to assassinate him.
Kaluma stated that the physical attack meted out on him was as a result of the Jubilee government’s failure to provide MPs with adequate security especially in the period leading to the 2017 elections.
“In nearly died, I just survived death,” Kaluma told the August House.
The vocal legislator was kicked, punched and wrestled to the ground by Washington Ogaga, who is an aspirant eyeing the Homa Bay Parliamentary seat.
A section of legislators was not convinced with the explanation on how he was given the thorough beating in full glare of the cameras.
“This is a serious matter touching on our own security as we approach the 2017 General Election,” Kaluma stated while pleading for the Interior Ministry to beef up security for MPs.
However, Majority Leader Aden Duale dismissed Kaluma’s claims noting his colleague was a victim of hooliganism in the ODM party.
“I want Kaluma to listen to me… I formed ODM and I can tell you that you are a victim of circumstances and that Baba is aware why you were clobbered,” Duale stated before adding, “find out why you were clobbered in his presence.”
ODM legislators were not pleased with Duale’s comments and were quick to defend Kaluma.
“Kaluma is a very valued member of the ODM party. The scuffle was internal and we are addressing it,” Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi stated.
“The comments by Duale are misplaced…ODM is an organised party,” Wandayi added.
Deputy Minority leader Jakoyo Midiwo stated: “Making a joke out of a big thing is unfortunate. One of us nearly lost his life. You saw him tossed and rolled down and the gentleman was armed.”
Midiwo further claimed that Kaluma’s rival had gone to report the matter because he knows Jubilee will use that excuse to arrest the Homa Bay legislator.
“That crook has also gone to the police to try to have Kaluma arrested. The way you misuse police… Anything can happen at any time,” Midiwo complained.
The ODM party officials have since stated that they were in the process of taking disciplinary action against those who engaged in the embarrassing incident.
-kenyans.co.ke
