Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has sparked controversy after declaring the end of the Gen Z protest movement and branding current demonstrators as criminals exploiting the cause for subversive activities.
Kaluma asserted that the Gen Z movement, which gained national traction earlier this year, ended before June 25, 2024. According to him, the original wave of youth-led protests was grounded in civic engagement and amplified by civil society, religious leaders, and the media. However, he now claims the demonstrations have been hijacked by “hardcore criminals” intent on disrupting peace and stability.
“The Gen Z movement ended before June 25, 2024,” Kaluma said. “We now have hardcore criminals roaming the streets and sanitizing their subversive activities against the State by calling themselves ‘Gen Z.'”
He praised parents and leaders across several regions—including Nyanza, Western, Rift Valley, Northeastern, Coast, and Eastern Kenya—for discouraging youth from joining the ongoing protests. Kaluma commended what he termed as responsible parenting, saying it is the duty of adults to protect children from potential harm during street demonstrations.
Kaluma also appealed to residents of the Mt. Kenya region to emulate other areas and prevent minors from participating in protests, arguing their presence complicates law enforcement efforts and provides cover for criminal acts such as looting, vandalism, and arson.
“Don’t play regional politics with the children,” he cautioned. “Their presence makes it difficult for police to maintain law and order without risking innocent lives.”
Kaluma’s comments follow concerns raised by leaders across the political spectrum after protests on June 25 turned violent in some towns. Nyali MP Mohammed Ali also condemned the destruction in parts of Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisii, Migori, and Kisumu, attributing the chaos to the infiltration of goons.
“Goons infiltrated the planned demonstrations and torched vehicles, robbed innocent people, and vandalised businesses,” Ali said.
As authorities work to separate peaceful protesters from criminal elements, national dialogue continues on safeguarding the constitutional right to protest while ensuring public safety and security.
