Kenya’s political space has been stirred after Kennedy Kaunda shared a disturbing account of alleged surveillance and intimidation, claiming he was trailed by unidentified individuals on motorbikes just days before going public with his experience.
In a statement shared through his recent Facebook post, Kaunda alleged that three men followed him as he walked towards his home. According to him, the individuals appeared to be monitoring his movements closely before directly confronting him. He quoted them saying, “We mzee tumekuona,” a phrase that loosely translates to “Old man, we have seen you.”
Kaunda did not specify who the individuals were or what their intentions might have been, but the incident has raised concerns about his safety and the growing climate of political tension in some parts of the country. He suggested that the encounter was not random, implying that he may have been under observation for some time before the confrontation.
The allegations come at a time when public figures and activists have increasingly raised concerns about surveillance, harassment, and intimidation linked to their political or social commentary. While Kaunda did not directly accuse any group or institution, his remarks have triggered online debate, with supporters calling for a thorough investigation into the matter.
Security experts note that such claims, whether proven or not, highlight the importance of ensuring that citizens can move freely without fear of being tracked or threatened. They also stress the need for authorities to respond swiftly to any reported cases of harassment to prevent escalation.
As the story continues to circulate on social media, Kaunda has maintained that he remains alert but undeterred. He says he will continue speaking out, even as questions linger about who the men were and what message they intended to send.