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JAIRO: An open letter to kidnappers of defenceless kenyans

If the problems raised by Gen Zs are resolved, everyone will gain from them

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by Annah Ndungu

Opinion22 August 2024 - 03:00
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In Summary


  • • Former President Moi employed similar strategies to quell dissent.
  • • He was ignorant that once an idea has its moment, it cannot be stopped.
Protesters display the Kenyan flag during demos on July 16, 2024.

I was thinking about the Gen Z protests when this idea struck me. To be clear, their demands are constitutional and advantageous for future generations, including mine, so I wholeheartedly support their push for change.

I have watched multiple videos of brave, defenceless Kenyans being kidnapped in broad daylight by masked assailants in unmarked cars simply for venturing their opinions.

Former President Moi employed similar strategies to quell dissent. He was ignorant that once an idea has its moment, it cannot be stopped. We have reaped the benefits of the genuine call for multiparty democracy. It's safe to say the incumbent President is a student who has outperformed his teacher, given that he appears to be operating from an antiquated playbook. This isn't going to work. You've actually given the Gen Z movement even more confidence. Ironically, your police force's motto is 'Utumishi kwa Wote' (Service to All). Despite this, you have refused to listen to the complaints of the people under your leadership. All patriotic Kenyans, including Gen Zs, are voicing valid concerns, but you have consistently chosen to ignore them.

This is my message to those who commit kidnappings. I have sympathy for you, your loved ones, your friends and whoever it is that you act on. No one is going to escape this world alive because we are all mortal. I implore you, no matter how strong you are, what resources you have, or what passion drives you to pursue your interests, to take a moment to gather your thoughts. I am one of those people who always look for money because it is so sweet and makes the world go round. But in my opinion, it is outdated and out of place in contemporary society to be paid to kidnap other people and use fear to terrorise them or to permanently silence them by making them vanish for expressing their opinions within the bounds of the constitution.

Power is ephemeral. If the problems raised by Gen Zs are resolved, everyone will gain from them. All of us should welcome the positive change the nation is experiencing. Effective systems are a magic bullet for economic expansion and service delivery.

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