The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media
platforms spanning newspaper print
operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a
leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and
international interest.
Homa Bay Town MP, Opondo Kaluma has accused County Women’s Rep Gladys Wanga of using political decoys to frustrate him.
He rubbished the allegations that his opponent Washington Ogaga wrestled him down at a recent public rally in his constituency, saying they are a creation of Wanga and her group.
“I was not beaten by anyone as is being said; I went down after I heard gunshots when hired goons started throwing stones and surging towards the dais,” he said.
Kaluma further claimed he has never heard of an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) aspirant seeking to unseat him.
He told Wanga to keep off Homa Bay Town politics, adding that they should not drag him into the gubernatorial seat competition pitting sitting Governor Cyprian Awiti and Kasipul MP Oyugi Magwanga who has declared his candidature for the seat.
“I have never heard of a challenger called Ogaga, the one I have heard of is a taxi driver in United Kingdom. Let everyone know that Homa Bay Town is not a dump site for uncivilised people who want to use violence to get cheap publicity,” he said.
He said his development record speaks for itself, adding that when time comes, a large chunk of his constituents will re-elect him as their MP.
The legislator defended himself against claims by Ogaga that he attacked him, saying he has never conducted the politics of fistfights.
“I did politics with serious leaders such as former Rangwe MP Martin Ogindo, Shem Ochuodho and Philip Okundi and no violence was reported against me.”
Ogaga, who has declared interest in Kaluma’s seat, had earlier accused Kaluma of abusing him and calling him a taxi driver leading to the fight.
“I started punching the MP and wrestled him to the ground after he kicked me,” Ogaga claimed.
He accused Kaluma of being a bully, who is quick to hurl abuses at his opponents.
He claimed the MP has in the past hurled abuses at him in his rallies, calling him illiterate.
He at one time said I am a quack who went to United Kingdom to drive taxis before coming back with fake papers.
He claimed Kaluma has resorted to violence and intimidation to scare competitors after realising that his development record cannot endear him to voters.
