Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has called for the appointment of a Luo candidate to fill the Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) role, a position temporarily overseen by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi after Kithure Kindiki’s move to the Deputy Presidency. Kaluma’s comments, made on Sunday, November 3, 2024, emphasized equitable representation among Kenya’s diverse communities in government roles.
“Let all communities of Kenya get their due constitutional share of public service appointments. The position of Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Coordination of the National Government should go to a Luo,” Kaluma stated, referring to the constitutional mandate for diversity in public service appointments.
Kaluma further justified his position by noting the strong record of the Luo community in advocating for human rights. “Luos are the greatest defenders of human rights and fundamental freedoms,” he asserted, highlighting the community’s long-standing commitment to upholding democratic principles and freedoms.
The push for the Interior CS role to go to a Luo has sparked speculation that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party might back the appointment of Suna East MP Junet Mohamed for the role. However, Junet dispelled these rumors, clarifying that he is not seeking the position and that ODM has not lobbied for a candidate from its ranks.
“While an opportunity to serve fellow Kenyans in any capacity is always welcome, I want to inform the public that I am not among those angling for the job, nor has the ODM Party expressed any interest in having another party expert join the government in that capacity,” Junet explained.