By Ruth Sang
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has ignited a storm of controversy after making mocking remarks about residents of Western Kenya, following viral claims by a woman who alleges she is the reincarnated Mary, mother of Jesus Christ.
The woman, whose identity remains undisclosed, reportedly hails from Western Kenya and has attracted significant attention online after publicly declaring that she is the biblical Mary sent back to Earth. Her statements have drawn a wave of reactions from religious groups, community leaders, and the general public, with many expressing confusion, concern, and in some cases, curiosity.
However, it was MP Kaluma’s sarcastic response that turned the conversation into a national talking point. Taking to social media, Kaluma wrote:
“Western Kenya has now given us Mary, mother of Jesus. What next? A burning bush in Bungoma?”
The comment quickly went viral and sparked criticism from leaders and residents who viewed it as insensitive and disrespectful.
“He should know better than to ridicule an entire region over the actions of one individual,” said Bishop Tom Mukhwana of the Western Interfaith Council. “Whether or not the woman’s claims are credible, leaders should show restraint and respond with compassion, not contempt.”
Other voices online and in religious circles called for a balanced approach, suggesting the woman may be dealing with mental health challenges rather than engaging in deliberate deceit.
“We must call out religious extremism and mental illness for what they are,” said one social media user. “This is not about faith—it’s about reality.”
Despite the backlash, Kaluma stood by his comments, later questioning the nation’s susceptibility to religious sensationalism. “Is this where we are as a country—mistaking hallucination for holiness?” he posed in a follow-up post.
The woman at the center of the controversy continues to maintain her claims, saying she receives divine messages and visions. Authorities have yet to confirm whether she has undergone any psychological evaluation.
Kenya has, in recent years, grappled with a rise in self-proclaimed prophets and controversial religious figures, sparking debates about the regulation of religious expression and the need for better mental health awareness.
As the story continues to unfold, it raises deeper questions about the intersections of faith, freedom of belief, mental health, and leadership tone in Kenya’s public discourse.
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