Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament Peter Kaluma has declared that the youth-led Gen Z protest movement officially ended in June 2024, insisting that individuals still taking to the streets are not genuine demonstrators but criminals exploiting the banner of activism to commit acts of lawlessness.
Speaking over the weekend, Kaluma stated that the original spirit of the Gen Z protests — which were largely peaceful and issue-based — has been hijacked by opportunistic elements who are now using the label to engage in looting, vandalism, and violent clashes with police.
“The Gen Z movement ended last year in June. What we’re seeing now are criminal gangs using the Gen Z tag to camouflage their illegal operations,” Kaluma asserted.
The lawmaker commended communities across Nyanza, Western, Rift Valley, North Eastern, Coast, and Eastern regions for taking deliberate steps to keep youth from joining the current wave of protests. He attributed this to what he called “responsible parenting” and a community-wide effort to shield children from harm and manipulation.
Kaluma further urged residents of the Mt. Kenya region to emulate the rest of the country by discouraging participation in what he described as unlawful assemblies.
“Mt. Kenya parents must now step up. When you allow your children to mix with these violent crowds, you’re not just risking their lives — you’re enabling criminal elements to thrive under the guise of protest,” he said.
The Gen Z movement captured national attention mid-2024 as young Kenyans protested against rising living costs, government corruption, and police brutality. But while its early stages were marked by peaceful digital mobilization, the recent resurgence has been marred by violent incidents, leading to polarized public opinion.
Kaluma’s remarks have ignited fierce debate on social media, with some critics accusing him of dismissing the genuine grievances of the youth. Nevertheless, the legislator stood firm, insisting that unless law enforcement distinguishes between legitimate protest and criminality, the country risks further descent into chaos.
