Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament Peter Kaluma /FILEHoma Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has declared that the Gen Z protest movement effectively ended in June 2024, claiming that those still demonstrating are criminals hiding behind the youth-led cause.
Kaluma argued that the original Gen Z movement, which gained momentum earlier this year, was born out of civil society activism, amplified by the public, and supported by both religious leaders and the media. However, he insists that the protests have since been hijacked by what he called "hardcore criminals."
"The Gen Z movement ended before June 25, 2024. We now have hardcore criminals roaming the streets and sanitizing their subversive activities against the State by calling themselves 'Gen Z,'" Kaluma said.
The legislator commended residents from various regions for discouraging youth from participating in the ongoing protests, singling out communities in Nyanza, Western, Rift Valley, North Eastern, Coast, and Eastern Kenya.
He praised them for what he described as responsible parenting and for protecting children from harm.
"Thanks to the people of Nyanza, Western, Rift Valley, Northeastern, Coast, and Eastern regions for removing children from the streets," Kaluma stated. "The children are the future of the nation. It is our sacred duty to protect them."
Kaluma urged residents of the Mt. Kenya region to follow suit, cautioning that the presence of minors during demonstrations gives cover to criminals engaging in looting, vandalism, arson, and attacks on police.
"Don’t play regional politics with the children," he warned. "Their presence makes it difficult for the police to maintain law and order without putting innocent lives at risk."
His sentiments echo concerns raised by other leaders following the events of June 25, when largely peaceful Gen Z protests were reportedly infiltrated by violent elements.
Several leaders took to social media to denounce the destruction witnessed in parts of the country.
Nyali MP Mohammed Ali condemned the violence, noting that demonstrations had started peacefully before turning chaotic in areas like Mombasa, Nairobi, Migori, Kisumu, and Kisii.
"Goons infiltrated the planned demonstrations and torched vehicles, robbed innocent people, and vandalised businesses," Ali said.
"It is clear that other forces are now using these protests to spread chaos and undo over 60 years of development."
Authorities have since stepped up efforts to separate peaceful demonstrators from criminal elements, while public discourse continues on how to balance the right to protest with the need for public safety.
