MP Peter Kaluma Misleading Posts About Kamala Harris Campaign Ignites US Media Backlash

Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament George Peter Kaluma has received negative attention from American and international media after posting incorrect information about US Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris.

These posts contained misleading information about the Democratic Party's presidential candidate Kamala Harris as well as inaccurate claims about his own campaign activities in the United States. Known for his conservative views, Kaluma has been actively campaigning in support of former President Donald Trump and aligning himself with Republican ideologies. Kaluma's campaign efforts took an unexpected turn when he shared a post featuring a photograph of Dan Boyle, the Mayor of Cork, Ireland. The image depicted Boyle alongside a group of nudists participating in the World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR), an event that took place on August 27.

However, Kaluma misrepresented the context of the image, erroneously suggesting that it reflected the values of the Democratic Party. He used this mischaracterization to bolster his anti-Harris sentiment, drawing criticism from media outlets in both the United States and Ireland for his reckless spread of misinformation. The WNBR is a global event aimed at promoting cycling and raising awareness about various social issues, including environmental concerns and body positivity. Participants in the Cork event, like many others worldwide, rode bicycles while nude as a form of protest against car culture and to advocate for sustainable transportation.

Kaluma's inaccurate association of this event with US political candidates has been met with strong backlash from journalists and commentators who deem it not only irresponsible but potentially dangerous in its capacity to mislead the public. Local media in Cork, including presenters from 96FM, have expressed their disappointment in Kaluma's actions. They emphasize the troubling nature of misinformation in political discussions and lament that only a small number of commenters recognized the error in his post. Kaluma's vocal support for Donald Trump and his harsh criticism of Kamala Harris reflect a growing trend of overseas politicians attempting to influence or engage with American politics.

His commitment to Republican values aligns with his past advocacy against the LGBTQ community in Kenya. Last year, Kaluma introduced a bill proposing life sentences for individuals involved in same-gender activities, which sparked widespread condemnation from human rights advocates both locally and internationally.