MY STATEMENT ON THE UNWARRANTED SURVEILLANCE OF MY LIFE BY GOVERNMENT AGENCIES.

To President William Ruto and His Allies,

I write this message with deep concern and disappointment regarding the ongoing surveillance on my phone gadget over the past few days. It appears that the government, working in collaboration with Safaricom, has been tracking my movement and communications. I strongly believe that this is not an isolated incident but part of a broader effort to intimidate and silence citizens like myself who fearlessly support opposition figures such as Rigathi Gachagua and others.

It troubles me that the same individuals who have been involved in abductions and silencing voices that are against the government—those who advocate for a two-term government—are now targeting supporters of Rigathi Gachagua and other opposition members. Why would the government seek to frustrate its own citizens simply for expressing dissatisfaction with its leadership?

During your campaign before 2022, Gachagua was your close associate, and I recall how you both opposed and frustrated the then-president Uhuru Kenyatta. At that time, you were not subjected to surveillance or intimidation. However, now that I support Gachagua and others in opposition, I, together with other Kenyans, find ourselves under scrutiny and harassment.

In the past, I supported Raila Odinga and Martha Karua, but I did not align with Ruto and Gachagua leadership then. Now, that I am supporting Gachagua seems to have made me and others a target. This pattern of intimidation is unjust and undermines our constitutional rights to free expression and political association.

Kenya's economy is suffering, and young lives are being affected through abductions and violence. I believe that, with time, the Kenyan people will choose leadership that respects their rights and freedoms—leaders who prioritize the welfare of all citizens. Besides Gachagua, we have notable leaders like Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang'i, Eugene Wamalwa, Natembeya, and Martha Karua, who are equally capable of being good presidents. The options for Kenyans are many, and the future is still bright with leadership they can trust.

While Gachagua may not be president after 2027, I am confident that another government will take over, and Ruto's administration will eventually come to an end. All these dramas and hullabaloos will come to their deathbed. We shall be free, and we shall win. Kenya will move forward, leaving behind these oppressive tactics and unjust intimidation. I trust that our judiciary will continue to stand for justice and protect Kenyans from abuse and oppression. I believe that history will vindicate our judges for their integrity and independence.

It is also important to remember that President Moi, during his tenure, killed and intimidated many young leaders. Yet, some of them survived and are now either in your government or in opposition leadership—like Former Prime Minister Hon. Raila Odinga, James Orengo, and many others. Therefore, after all this, some of us, if not all of us, with God's mercy, will continue our struggle—speaking our minds and fighting for the oppressed—at our own levels and from whichever corner or political side we may be.

Additionally, it is disheartening to see how President Ruto is tagging us with labels such as tribalists, terrorists, criminals, and as people planning to overthrow the government. But as the saying goes, when a hyena wants to eat its children, it first accuses them of smelling like goats. He is doing all these to try to create a certain narrative that he feels will help him secure a second term. However, it is good that Kenyans are awake, and they now know you well. They see through these tactics and understand that these labels are meant to divide and distract us from the real issues facing our nation.

If anyone needs to reach me, I am with my family at my home in Magarini, and everyone is welcome. Before anyone attempts to take me, I can even offer them a cup of tea—a gesture of peace and openness amidst these turbulent times.

I want to be clear: I will not be intimidated by threats or surveillance. If anything happens to me or my family, I leave it in your hands, knowing that history will record our struggles and hopes. My wish is for Kenya to have a president who respects and upholds the rights of its citizens—a government that truly cares for its young people.

I remain optimistic that change is coming. The spirit of resistance and hope is alive among many Kenyans. Keep us safe from these oppressive tactics. Know that our resolve remains unbroken, and our desire for a better Kenya is unwavering.

Paul Mwangi. 

Magarini, Kilifi County.