Peter Kaluma Labels Ongoing Gen Z Protesters as Criminals

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has declared that the Gen Z protest movement came to an end in June 2024, arguing that individuals still taking to the streets are not genuine activists, but criminals hiding behind a youth-led cause.

In his latest remarks, Kaluma commended communities across Nyanza, Western, Rift Valley, North Eastern, Coast, and Eastern Kenya for what he termed as responsible parenting and their efforts to protect young people from being drawn into what he now describes as violent and lawless demonstrations.

He particularly praised residents in these regions for discouraging their youth from participating in the ongoing protests, stating that it was a sign of social responsibility and care for future generations.

Kaluma called on communities in the Mt. Kenya region to adopt a similar approach, warning that the continued presence of Gen Z demonstrators has become a shield for criminal elements engaging in looting, vandalism, arson, and attacks on police officers.

His statement comes amid ongoing nationwide protests largely driven by the youth, especially Gen Z, in opposition to government policies, including the now-withdrawn Finance Bill 2024. While initial demonstrations drew widespread public support, recent ones have turned chaotic, with both police brutality and criminal infiltrations being reported.

Kaluma’s comments are likely to spark mixed reactions, especially from protest organizers and civil society groups who maintain that the youth-led movement remains peaceful and rooted in legitimate demands for better governance and accountability.