A spine chilling wave of kidnappings of outspoken government critics shook the nation to its foundations with a mounting atmosphere of intimidation raising concerns for all. Among those who barely escaped the ordeal was Rosemary Odinga daughter of opposition leader Raila Amolo Odinga and escaped what she described as a well coordinated attempt on her life.
Emotionally during a close gathering in Nairobi Rosemary disclosed that the experience happened towards the end of last week as she was driving home from a meeting in Kilimani. In her own words she said a black car followed her vehicle for some minutes before trying to cut her off along Yaya Centre. Her driver upon sensing danger did a bold move that enabled them to escape to safety.
I thought my life was over she said in an interview to Reuters shaking visibly. I could see the fear in my driver’s eyes. The men who were trying to halt us were armed and obviously knew what they were doing. Rosemary’s case is one of rising reports of peculiar kidnapping of activists journalists and vocal opposition figures. Human rights organizations have condemned the phenomenon as a trend accusing security forces of perpetuating or facilitating the abductions to silence dissenting voices.
Raila Odinga who made no direct accusation demanded an inquiry into the attack and asked the government to protect all citizens regardless of their political beliefs. This country cannot go back to the dark ages when terror ruled the streets he said.
Kenyans have then turned to social media to send messages of support for Rosemary demanding accountability and a halt to enforced disappearances. The government however has remained silent fueling even more suspicion and public anger over what many now call a coordinated campaign of intimidation.
By Nairobu