Kaluma: Gen Z Protest Not National, It’s a Mt Kenya Rebellion Against Ruto

 

Kaluma: Gen Z Protest Not National, It’s a Mt Kenya Rebellion Against Ruto

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has stirred controversy after dismissing the ongoing Gen Z protests as a veiled political uprising by the Mt. Kenya region against President William Ruto’s leadership, rather than a national, youth-driven movement.

In a bold statement issued on Thursday, June 26, Kaluma argued that the demonstrations no longer represent a united or generational call for change but have instead become a regional insurrection masked as a national campaign.

“Yesterday exposed the reality—Gen Z is now a code name for a Mt. Kenya rebellion against a President who is building an inclusive government,” Kaluma said, distancing the Luo Nyanza region from the protests.

He accused organizers of falsely promoting ethnic diversity within the movement by tokenizing non-Mt. Kenya communities to project a national image. “They’ll mention a Luo, Giriama, or Maasai to create a false sense of inclusivity. Don’t be fooled,” he warned.

Luo Nyanza Applauded for Staying Away
Kaluma lauded his constituents for avoiding the protests, claiming that the Luo community had no reason to participate in what he labeled a “destructive and unnecessary” movement. He urged locals to concentrate on rebuilding after years of marginalization, emphasizing that past injustices had left them with little infrastructure to destroy.

“You made the right choice yesterday. Let them destroy their businesses—we have none due to past resource discrimination,” he told residents.

Kaluma also cited past tragedies suffered by the Luo community, urging restraint. “We’ve buried enough of our own—some without the Church’s support. There’s no need to join another cause that brings death.”

Praise for Ruto and Criticism of Protest Goals
The MP praised President Ruto’s government for what he sees as fairer distribution of resources and more inclusive governance, urging his region to “stay off the streets until advised otherwise.”

His remarks come as Gen Z-led protests continue across Kenya, demanding economic reforms, transparency, and good governance. The movement has been characterized by its non-partisan, non-ethnic nature, with youth from all walks of life mobilizing independently of political parties.

Kaluma’s comments, however, have drawn sharp criticism from civil society and youth leaders who argue the protests are issue-driven and cross-cutting, rather than ethnically or regionally confined. Despite the backlash, Kaluma maintained that the unrest is politically charged and not a genuine nationwide movement.