NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi says the government is desperately trying to suppress dissent by abducting the youth.
In a statement condemning the incidents, Moi said the sole intention of the abductions is to discourage civic engagement and to instill, “entrench a sense of fear in the country to escape public scrutiny and accountability.”
In a statement on X, the former legislator said all the young people being targeted for expressing their views are not criminals.
“In recent weeks, we have witnessed an alarming increase in abductions and forced disappearances targeting young people who use digital platforms to exercise their civic duty and express their dissatisfaction with the management of the affairs of this nation,” he said.
“These abductions are deliberate yet desperate attempts by the government to suppress dissent, discourage civic engagement, and instill and entrench a sense of fear in the country to escape public scrutiny and accountability.
He asked the government to listen to the young people’s grievances, and stop using old tactics to suppress dissent.
“Indeed, these young Kenyans are not criminals. They are simply agitating for a country that reflects their aspirations, where the rule of law prevails, public institutions prioritize the common good, quality social services are accessible, and the economy creates opportunities for growth and prosperity for all,” the former Kenya Africa National Union party leader said.
He said the Kenyan youth are protesting what he termed as a culture of government ignoring their views and imposing, “what they imagines is good for them.”
“As such, it is incumbent on the government to understand that it cannot silence dissent with abductions but by simply making the system work for the people.”
He added that, “this deeply disturbing trend cannot continue unchecked as distressed families agonize about the whereabouts of their loved ones. We condemn these acts and call on the government to produce these individuals before a court of competent jurisdiction if they are deemed to have committed any crime under the law.”
