By Billy Mijungu
As Kenya reaches the midterm of this administration’s tenure, we find ourselves at a crucial juncture.
This is the time when the public weighs the government’s performance and decides whether to rally behind it or call for change.
While the focus should ideally be on delivering economic progress, ensuring food security, improving healthcare, and providing quality education, none of these achievements will matter if the government continues to tarnish its own image with outdated and counterproductive tactics like abductions.
In my opinion, the so-called Abduction Squad may have served its intended purpose during a time of heightened unrest, but that time has passed.
The squad was designed to quell discontent, particularly among the outspoken and restless Generation Z.
However, the dynamics have shifted, and the government’s continued reliance on these methods only serves to erode public trust and amplify dissent.
The Gen Z demographic is not easily silenced.
They are vocal, tech-savvy, and operate predominantly in the digital space.
Their protests are less about physical demonstrations and more about shaping narratives on social media platforms.
Attempting to silence them through abductions or intimidation is not only futile but also counterproductive.
It fuels the very outrage the government seeks to quell.
The counterstrategy, therefore, must adapt to the times.
The government needs to engage this demographic which thrives on social media.
Instead of resorting to fear tactics, it should focus on a robust public relations campaign that portrays the administration as humble, listening, and responsive to the needs of the people.
Mr. President and the security sector, it is time to turn the page on this dark chapter. The latest incidents of abduction should be the last.
Replace these squads with strategic communication teams that work to rebuild trust and foster dialogue.
Engage professional institutions to communicate policies effectively.
Take a page from the COVID-19 era when the U.S. relied on Dr Anthony Fauci to provide clear and consistent messaging.
In Kenya, we had Dr Patrick Amoth, whose calm demeanour and factual updates inspired confidence.
Similarly, every major policy from livestock vaccination campaigns to housing projects should have a credible and relatable face to articulate the government’s vision.
Kenya’s challenges are significant, but they are not insurmountable.
With the right strategies, the government can win back public confidence and steer the country toward progress.
Abductions, however, are a relic of the past.
It’s time for a new approach one that prioritizes engagement over intimidation, trust over fear, and solutions over suppression.
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