Kaluma: Gen Z protest not national, it’s a Mt Kenya rebellion against Ruto
By Aloys Michael, June 26, 2025The Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament, Peter Kaluma, has sparked a sharp national debate after dismissing the Gen Z-led protests as a thinly disguised rebellion by the Mt. Kenya region against President William Ruto’s administration, claiming that the movement no longer reflects a unified or national cause.
In a controversial statement issued on Thursday, June 26, 2025, Kaluma distanced the Luo Nyanza region from the ongoing demonstrations, asserting that the region has no reason to join what he described as a politically motivated insurrection.
“Those who still thought Gen Z remains a generational or national movement in Kenya saw the truth yesterday and now know better. It is currently the code name for Mt. Kenya insurrection against President Ruto for creating an equitable and inclusive government,” Kaluma said.
According to Kaluma, the protesters have falsely cloaked their agenda in national colours, occasionally citing people from other communities to give the appearance of inclusivity. But he warned Kenyans not to be misled.
“They will mention a Luo, Giriama or Maasai to disguise it as national, but don’t be duped,” he said.
The Homa Bay legislator praised the Luo community for not participating in what he termed a destructive and unnecessary campaign, urging residents of his region to stay off the streets and focus instead on development and rebuilding after years of marginalisation.
“You did well yesterday. Let them destroy their businesses and infrastructure—we have none due to past discrimination in resources,” he told his constituents.
Kaluma went further to paint the protests as counterproductive and potentially dangerous, alluding to past tragedies suffered by his community.
“We have buried enough people, some without the support of the Church,” he said.
Broad-based goodies
In his statement, Kaluma framed President Ruto’s leadership as a turning point for historically marginalised communities, suggesting that the government had finally begun distributing national resources more fairly, hence no need for further protests in Luo Nyanza.
“Keep off the streets until we advise otherwise. Let us rebuild after years of subjugation, discrimination and neglect,” Kaluma instructed.
His remarks come amid intensifying nationwide protests led by Kenyan youth—particularly Gen Z—demanding better governance, economic reforms, and transparency. The demonstrations, which erupted across major cities this week, have seen thousands of young people take to the streets, many of them unaffiliated with political parties or tribal identities.
However, Kaluma’s statement appears to contradict the narrative of a unified youth movement cutting across ethnic lines, drawing backlash online from both youth leaders and human rights groups who have emphasised the non-tribal, issue-based nature of the protests.
Despite that, Kaluma stood firm, doubling down on his belief that the protests are regionally driven and politically charged, rather than being about genuine grievances shared by all Kenyan youth.