We Are in Government, We Will Not Join Your Useless Protests, MP Kaluma Says Ahead of Gen-Z June 25 Memorial March

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has publicly distanced himself and his community from the planned Gen Z memorial protests scheduled for June 25, 2025, labeling them as “useless” and unproductive.

In a fiery statement posted on his official X account on Thursday, June 19, 2025, Kaluma emphasized that his constituents, having long been at the forefront of political activism, are now focused on nation-building and governance rather than street demonstrations.

Kaluma’s remarks come amid heightened tensions following deadly protests in Nairobi on June 17, 2025, sparked by the death of digital content creator Albert Ojwang while in police custody.

The demonstrations, which began peacefully, turned violent, with reports of looting, clashes with police, and the widely condemned shooting of an unarmed hawker by officers.

The upcoming Gen Z memorial protests aim to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the 2024 Finance Bill protests, during which over 60 people lost their lives and Parliament was stormed, ultimately forcing the government to withdraw the controversial bill.

In his X post, Kaluma declared, “Our people will not join you in your useless street protests. We have been on the streets, dying for you, since independence. We are in government, busy rebuilding after years of neglect.”

The MP, a vocal supporter of the government following the Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) alliance with President William Ruto, expressed frustration over what he perceives as the exploitation of his community in past political struggles.

He argued that their decades-long participation in protests has come at a significant cost, and they are now prioritizing governance and development.

Kaluma also took aim at opposition leaders, accusing them of manipulating youth to participate in protests for personal gain while shielding their own families.

In a prior post, he warned young Kenyans against being used as “pawns” by opposition figures, alleging that some leaders exploit public unrest to secure donor funding.

“The visionless opposition leaders are inciting other people’s children to head to the streets as they remain behind sharing out donor funding,” Kaluma stated, citing activist Boniface Mwangi as an example of those who allegedly benefit financially from protests without taking personal risks.

A screenshot of Kaluma’s X Post.

The MP’s comments have drawn attention to the silence of ODM leader Raila Odinga, who has remained notably quiet on governance issues since his party joined forces with Ruto’s administration.

Critics argue that this alliance has softened ODM’s stance on public dissent, with Kaluma’s remarks reflecting a broader shift within the party.

Meanwhile, preparations for the June 25 memorial protests are underway, with Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda confirming that authorities have received formal notification of the planned demonstrations.

Speaking to the media on June 18, 2025, Seda assured the public of adequate security measures to ensure safety for both protesters and non-participants. “We will provide enough security to ensure every person who is going to participate, and even those who are not participating, is safe,” he said.

However, he urged demonstrators to maintain peace and avoid disrupting businesses, noting that past protests had turned violent due to provocations.

Kaluma’s dismissal of the protests has sparked mixed reactions. While some view his stance as a pragmatic call for stability, others see it as a betrayal of the youth-led movement demanding accountability and justice.