The Kenya Editors Guild has called on State agencies to urgently investigate and prosecute those responsible for the reported abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich. The Guild described the incident as a serious threat to press freedom and the public’s right to information, warning that attacks against journalists undermine Kenya’s democratic institutions.
In a statement, Kenya Editors Guild President Zubeidah Kananu urged the government to demonstrate its commitment to media freedom through concrete action, rather than statements alone. Kananu said journalists should be able to perform their duties without fear of intimidation, assault or abduction, regardless of whether authorities agree with their reporting. She maintained that the safety of journalists must remain a priority, arguing that protecting the media is essential to safeguarding the public’s right to know.
Guild Calls for Independent Investigation
The Editors’ Guild said the reported abduction of Kiprotich was particularly worrying because targeting a journalist affects more than the individual involved. According to Kananu, silencing a journalist ultimately limits the public’s access to information and weakens democratic accountability.
The Guild reminded the government of its constitutional obligation to respect, protect and promote the rights of journalists, saying the State cannot claim to uphold democracy while members of the press are allegedly targeted because of their work.
Kiprotich Found Safe After Reported Abduction
Kiprotich was reportedly abducted along the Gilgil-Nakuru highway before being found safe in the early hours of Wednesday. Standard Group Chief Executive Officer Chaacha Mwita said the journalist was located at approximately 6:30am near Masinga Dam, after allegedly being left there by his captors.
According to the Standard Group, Kiprotich sought assistance from a nearby family, which provided him with shelter and care before a Standard Group team led by Mwita arrived and found him. The journalist was reported to be safe but shaken following the incident.
IPOA Asked to Take Action
The Kenya Editors Guild has also called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to exercise its oversight mandate and ensure the matter receives the seriousness it warrants. The Guild wants a swift, transparent and independent investigation into the reported abduction, including the circumstances surrounding an earlier incident involving Kiprotich on June 27.
It further urged State agencies to establish what happened, identify those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable faces prosecution. The Guild said accountability in the case would be critical in reinforcing the protection of journalists and safeguarding media freedom in Kenya.
