The National Police Service (NPS) has denied involvement in the reported abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich and ordered investigations to establish the identity of the armed men who allegedly seized him along the Gilgil–Nakuru Road. NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja had instructed the Anti-Abduction Unit to immediately take up the matter and investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The probe will also seek to establish the identities of the heavily armed men who were reportedly seen forcing occupants out of Kiprotich’s vehicle before driving away with him.
NPS Condemns Abductions
Nyaga said the police service takes cases of kidnapping and abduction seriously, noting that such incidents pose a threat to the lives, freedom and security of Kenyans. The NPS also condemned any form of abduction or intimidation aimed at interfering with press freedom and other constitutional rights. The police spokesperson assured the public that investigations would be conducted transparently and that those found responsible would face the law.
Kiprotich Found Safe
The statement came hours after Kiprotich was found safe near Masinga Dam, approximately nine hours after he was reportedly abducted. According to the Standard Group, Kiprotich said four masked men armed with AK-47 rifles forced him out of his vehicle and drove him away in a Subaru with registration number KDG 125E.
The media organisation claimed the vehicle appeared to be a government vehicle and was fitted with a siren. Kiprotich reportedly told his colleagues that his captors questioned him about the Standard Group’s sources and how the media house determines its headlines.
Standard Group Holds State Responsible
Standard Group Chief Executive Officer Chaacha Mwita said the company held the State responsible for Kiprotich’s safety, pointing to a previous attempt to abduct the journalist on June 27, 2026. In the earlier incident, armed men travelling in a Toyota Probox allegedly attempted to seize Kiprotich while he was driving to work in Nakuru. The two incidents have since raised concerns over whether they could be connected.
MCK, Editors Guild Demand Investigation
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has called for an immediate and transparent investigation into the incident. The council noted that Kiprotich had previously faced a similar incident in June, with no arrests reported in connection with that case. The Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) has also called for an independent investigation into both incidents.
The guild wants authorities to establish whether there is a connection between the vehicle reportedly used during the June incident and the NPS intelligence unit. The latest incident has renewed concerns over the safety of journalists and the protection of press freedom in Kenya.
