Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Kaluma has criticized politicians for exploiting the Generation Z (Gen Z) movement for their political agendas.
In a statement shared via his X account on Saturday, January 25, 2025, Kaluma called out leaders attempting to turn the youth-led movement into an ethnic or tribal cause.
“Just the same way they hijacked Mau Mau, which was a national movement, and portrayed it as having been a tribal movement, the tribalists are making all efforts to turn Gen Z into their ethnic movement against President Ruto and the current government,” Kaluma wrote.
Adding;
“Gen Z must remain a national movement for good governance, or we withdraw our children from being misused by these tribalists.”
Political awakening
The MP’s remarks come amid political tension and youth engagement in Kenya, fueled by the growing influence of the Gen Z movement. Since June 2024, the country has witnessed a political awakening among its younger population.
This wave of activism has challenged the nation’s political structures and brought about youth involvement in governance.
The Gen Z movement gained momentum in mid-2024, driven by dissatisfaction with the proposed Finance Bill 2024. The bill introduced tax hikes widely perceived as punitive, especially among young Kenyans, who face high unemployment and limited opportunities.
Using platforms such as TikTok, X, Instagram, and WhatsApp, the youths rallied under the hashtag #RejectFinanceBill2024, organizing decentralized protests across the country.
The protests on June 26, 2024, with demonstrators storming Parliament to express their frustrations. The event escalated into violent clashes with security forces, leading to tragic outcomes. Official reports indicated at least 50 protesters lost their lives, while more than 230 sustained injuries. Activists also accused security agencies of abductions and extrajudicial killings targeting protest leaders and vocal critics of the government.
The government’s response initially involved heavy-handed tactics, including the use of live ammunition, tear gas, and mass arrests. However, sustained pressure from the movement forced President William Ruto’s administration to make several concessions. The government eventually rejected parts of the Finance Bill, implemented budget cuts, and held dialogues with youth representatives to address their grievances.
Politicization of Gen Z movement
Some political figures have since attempted to align themselves with the movement, seeking to leverage it for their political agendas. This included public endorsements of the protests and promises to address systemic issues like corruption and unemployment.
This politicization of the movement has raised concerns, with critics like Kaluma urging the youth to remain focused on their fight for good governance and avoid being manipulated for political gain.
