Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has sparked controversy after calling for the arrest of individuals he accuses of inciting the public ahead of the planned Gen Z memorial demonstrations set for Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
In a strongly worded statement shared on his X account on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, Kaluma stated that while Kenyans have the right to protest, such rights can only be exercised in a stable country free from chaos and lawlessness.
He called on authorities to arrest, prosecute, and imprison anyone involved in stirring unrest, be they politicians, media personnel, or other influencers. He insisted that no one should be spared.
“We can only enjoy human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right to demonstrate and protest for rights, in a stable State that is free of chaos and anarchy. Arrest, prosecute and imprison all inciters, anarchists tomorrow – politicians, media personnel, etc – spare none!” Kaluma stated.
His remarks come just days after he warned the youth not to allow themselves to be used as pawns in political games. He accused opposition leaders of taking advantage of young people for personal gain while shielding their own families from the risks of street protests.
In a post shared earlier on June 19, Kaluma criticised what he called visionless opposition leaders, accusing them of fuelling unrest for the sake of donor funding.
He challenged them to lead from the front if they truly believed in the cause, rather than sending other people’s children to the streets while their own remained safely at home.
He urged the youth not to become statistics in reports used to attract international support and warned them to think twice before participating in street protests.
“The visionless opposition leaders are inciting other people’s children to head to the streets as they remain behind sharing out donor funding. Did Boniface Mwangi et al enter Parliament that day? He stayed behind and increased his Yayah stock after the protests. Don’t be their donor financing data. Don’t go to the streets unless they lead you, with your children,” Kaluma stated.
Protests
The MP’s comments come amid rising tension ahead of the Gen Z Memorial March. The march, organised mainly by young Kenyans, is meant to honour the lives lost during the deadly anti-Finance Bill protests of June 2024.
On Wednesday, peaceful events will be held across major towns including Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Machakos, Kiambu, and Naivasha. In Nairobi, participants will gather at the Kenyatta Avenue Roundabout at 9:00 am and march to Parliament and the President’s Office. The programme includes silent processions, laying of flowers, candlelight vigils, and other acts of remembrance.
Organisers of the march have stressed that it is not a political protest but a peaceful memorial aimed at calling for justice, accountability, and respect for human life. The youth have been mobilising online through hashtags like #Justice4OurMashujaa and #NeverForgetKE. Social media platforms are flooded with artwork, tribute videos, and posters encouraging peaceful participation.
Police have acknowledged the planned events and assured the public of their commitment to provide security and ensure order during the demonstrations.
