Speaking during a radio interview on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, Kaluma argued that ODM remains a central force in Kenya’s political and legislative systems due to its widespread representation across different levels of government.
He pointed to the party’s presence in Parliament, County Assemblies, and the Council of Governors as evidence of its deep political reach.
Kaluma further referenced the political unrest during the 2024 Gen-Z protests, claiming that President William Ruto had to engage ODM leadership in order to stabilize the situation. He suggested that this demonstrated the party’s importance in moments of national crisis.
He argued that government operations, including quorum formation in key institutions, often rely on ODM-affiliated members, reinforcing his claim that the party holds significant institutional weight.
The MP also contrasted ODM’s influence with that of other political parties such as Wiper and Jubilee, suggesting that they do not currently hold the same level of national leverage in parliamentary or governance structures.
His remarks come shortly after a joint engagement between the Kenya Kwanza administration and ODM leadership at State House, where both sides reportedly discussed areas of cooperation and political alignment.
The meeting was seen as part of ongoing efforts to manage tensions and explore collaboration between rival political formations, especially as the country moves closer to the 2027 General Election.
Kaluma emphasized that political influence in Kenya is largely determined by numbers, particularly the number of elected leaders a party controls across various levels of government. He argued that this numerical strength directly affects a party’s bargaining power in coalition politics.