The abduction of veteran editor Macharia Gaitho is a frightening reminder that Kenya is fast sliding into the dark days of media repression driven by a paranoid and small-minded regime. It is an assault on both press freedom and the Constitution that was enacted after years of agitation and sacrifice. It is a threat to the rule of law, human rights and constitutionalism.

The chilling dawn abduction came only a day after another journalist, Kameme TV’s Catherine Wanjeri wa Kariuki, was brutally shot and wounded by police while covering peaceful demos by youths demanding better governance from an insenstive and insolent administration. It is apparent that Kenyans are dealing with a regime that is terrified of both its people and the truth.

A human rights watchdog reported that 50 people have died in the anti-government protests since June 18.

The young people and journalists being brutalised have a convergence of cause that the ruling elite finds a nuisance.

They are exercising their constitutional and professional calling to speak truth to power. Their actions draw strenght from the Constitution, which President Ruto swore to uphold and protect. Even more worrisome is the attitude of the power elite. They should be reminded that the Gen Z revolution was not their cause. It is an agitation against the bad manners of impervious, insensitive, incompetent, ill-educated and greedy politicians by a consequential generation, which feels slighted. We are appalled that our aging politicians who are part of the problem see the crisis as an opportunity to retreat to hotel rooms and cut political deals by securing posts in the name of a government of national unity.

Gen Z have not assigned any known politician the responsiblity to speak for them and advance their cause. The young brave Kenyans did not shed blood for political rejects to find alternative jobs or share power. That is why we intepret Opposition chief Raila Odinga’s “intervention” as a devilish scheme to hijack a revolution that he did not inspire to acquire power. We are also appalled by the jostling by octogenerian politicians of doubtful character to return their bad habits to government.

Gen Z are are frustrated about lack of jobs, delayed issuing IDs and passports, limited access to education loans, accountablity in the use of public money and poor leadership — not jobs for old guards and washy-washy politicians known for their disdain for education. Their voices must be heard and respected.