Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has urged Kenyan youth to abandon street protests in favour of structured, peaceful channels for addressing grievances.

His remarks, shared via a post on X dated June 22, 2025, come against the backdrop of renewed political tension and lingering memories of the deadly cost-of-living protests that rocked the country in 2023.

In his statement, Kaluma wrote that the violence witnessed during those protests was instigated by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

However, his message focused more on urging the youth to take a different approach moving forward.

“Our young people will not go to the streets this time. They know where to take their grievances to be addressed. We are busy rebuilding after years of neglect by successive administrations,” he added.

This comes as the country braces for protests planned for June 25, 2025, a day set aside to commemorate the 2024 Gen Z uprising—a pivotal youth-led movement that captured national attention when demonstrators stormed Parliament during deliberations on the controversial Finance Bill 2024. The upcoming demonstrations aim to honour the memory of those who were killed, injured, or traumatised during the clashes with police, which were widely condemned for their excessive use of force and the tragic loss of life.

Beyond remembrance, the protests also serve as a renewed call for justice and accountability. Organisers have outlined peaceful but symbolic actions, including laying flowers at Parliament gates and reading out statements to honour the fallen while challenging ongoing government policies seen as oppressive. The demonstrations are being framed as a moral reckoning—a reminder that the voices of Kenya’s youth cannot be silenced and that the wounds of 2024 remain fresh in the country’s collective consciousness.

His comments signal a broader shift in strategy from confrontation to constructive engagement—an approach that mirrors President William Ruto’s recent appeal for political leaders to use bipartisan platforms to resolve disputes. The President has publicly urged the opposition to refrain from destabilising the country, calling for grievances to be aired through formal channels that do not disrupt public order.

This appeal comes in the wake of Gachagua’s impeachment in October 2024, when the former deputy president was removed from office on grounds including insubordination and incitement of ethnic tensions. The aftermath of his ouster has prompted renewed government focus on reconciliation, rebuilding, and preventing a repeat of past unrest.

Kaluma’s message to the youth reflects the scars left by previous protests and a growing appetite for stability. He acknowledged the sacrifices made over the years, stating, “We have been on the streets, dying for you, since independence. We are in government, busy rebuilding after years of neglect.”

With the country navigating economic challenges and post-crisis recovery, Kaluma’s call reinforces a growing sentiment among some leaders: that real change is better pursued through dialogue, not disruption.

His remarks aim to encourage Kenya’s youth—often at the heart of protests—to channel their energy into engaging with policy and pushing for accountability through peaceful and legal means.