Deputy President William Ruto’s Digital Strategist Dennis Itumbi is hospitalised following alleged kidnap and torture.
Itumbi is outspoken and often steps on the toes of powerful individuals.
His claims can at times be outrageous but silencing him through extrajudicial means is not justified.
While you might not agree with him, his right to be heard must be respected and defended.
Using unorthodox means to silence critics is not good for democracy.
This is the reason we have courts for those who feel defamed.
Kenya has witnessed such treatment before. The killing of Jacob Juma and John Oulu, former vice chairman of the Students Organization of Nairobi University comes to mind.
They are among several Kenyans who have lost their lives through extrajudicial killings yet to date nothing has been done to nail the culprits.
Journalist Bogonko Bosire's disappearance remains a mystery to date. He was another harsh critic of those in high offices.
As we approach the 2022 general election, criticism and scandals (true or false) of those seeking public offices will be a daily occurrence.
This does not grant them a licence to kill.
They must develop thick skins and if they feel aggrieved use the courts for recourse.
Life is sacred and no one is licensed to kill.
