Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament Peter Kaluma has dismissed the planned protests over the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang’, who died in police custody on June 7.

In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Kaluma criticized the planned demonstrations, accusing the organizers of hypocrisy and selective outrage. He said that before mourning Ojwang’, Kenyans should first acknowledge victims of past state violence in Nyanza and other political assassinations.

“Before you go to the streets pretending to mourn our son Albert Ojwang, please mourn the 1969 Nyanza Massacre victims, Tom Mboya, CMG Argwings Kodhek, Pio Gama Pinto, JM Kariuki, Dr. Robert Ouko, George Saitoti, Orwa Ojode, Odhiambo Mbai, Chris Musando, Jacob Juma, Charles Ongondo Were, the 2007–2008 PEV victims, [and] the 2017 Fresh Election victims,” Kaluma posted.

He also referenced the 2023 cost-of-living protests, during which he claims young men were killed by security officers in Kisumu’s Nyalenda and Nyamasaria estates.

“…and our sons you pulled out and killed from their Nyalenda and Nyamasaria houses in the night during the 2023 Cost-of-Living Protests!” he added.

Kaluma made it clear that he would not support the planned demonstrations.

“We will not join you in your street nonsense. You will not teach us how to mourn our own. We are busy rebuilding after years of marginalization, discrimination and neglect. Keep your crocodile tears to yourselves,” he stated.

Kaluma ‘s statement comes after a group of activists swore to go on with the planned demonstrations despite the stepping aside of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Eliud Kipkoech Lagat.

Lagat formally stepped aside Monday from his role as investigations intensify into the controversial death of Ojwang’, whose arrest followed a defamation complaint allegedly filed by the senior officer.

The activists have shared posters on social media for the planned protests terming them ”Maandamano Tuesday.” They are calling on the resignation and arrest of Lagat who is the prime suspect of the Murder.

Ojwang, was arrested in Homa Bay after Lagat filed a complaint over a social media post. He was transferred to Nairobi Central Police Station, where he was reported dead the following day. Police Headquarters initially claimed he was found unconscious, possibly after committing suicide by banging his head against the wall, but a post-mortem revealed blunt force trauma to the head, neck compression, and extensive soft tissue injuries; clear signs of assault.