Kenyan editors demand probe into Alex Kiprotich abduction

By Newsflash Reporter

The Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) has condemned the reported abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich, demanding an independent investigation into the incident and previous attempts to harm him.

In a statement released on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, through its President, Ms Zubeida Kananu, the Guild said it was “shocked, outraged and deeply perturbed” by the incident, describing it as a disturbing escalation in the intimidation and targeting of journalists in Kenya.

The Standard Group confirmed on Wednesday morning, September 2, that Kiprotich had been located near Masinga Dam at around 6.30am after his captors allegedly dumped him in the early hours of the morning.

Kiprotich was reportedly abducted shortly before 9.20pm on Tuesday while travelling towards Nakuru along the Gilgil-Nakuru road, according to an earlier statement by the Standard Group.

KEG said the circumstances were particularly alarming because it was the second reported attempt to seize or harm Kiprotich in barely two months.

Previous attempt to intercept journalist

On June 27, 2026, armed men travelling in a Toyota Probox reportedly attempted to intercept Kiprotich as he drove to work in Nakuru.

According to the Guild, the journalist escaped by locking himself inside his vehicle and fleeing the scene.

The incident occurred only days after President William Ruto had publicly criticised the Standard Group over its coverage.

Standard’s Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich. Photo/Pool

The Guild said investigations undertaken by the Standard Group subsequently reportedly traced the vehicle involved in the June incident to the National Police Service’s Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau.

“These are grave allegations. They cannot be dismissed, explained away or buried in silence. They demand immediate, independent and credible investigation,” said Kananu.

The latest incident also comes shortly after two Kisumu-based Agence France-Presse journalists, Fred Ooko and Brian Ongoro, were reportedly assaulted while covering a Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay Town.

The Guild said the incidents painted a troubling picture of a media environment in which journalists were being beaten, pursued, threatened, harassed and abducted while carrying out their professional duties.

Guild invokes constitutional protections

Kananu warned that if State agents were found to be involved in attacks against journalists, Kenya would face a crisis extending beyond individual acts of violence.

“It would mean that institutions entrusted with protecting citizens are being turned against those whose constitutional duty is to inform them,” she said.

The Guild invoked Article 34(2) of the Constitution, which protects media freedom and prohibits State interference with broadcasting, publication and dissemination of information.

Kananu said journalists did not surrender their constitutional rights by asking difficult questions, publishing uncomfortable facts or holding those in power to account.

The Guild demanded a swift, transparent and independent investigation into Kiprotich’s reported abduction, including the circumstances surrounding the June 27 incident.

It also called for investigations into the reported connection between the vehicle used in the June incident and the police intelligence bureau, as well as the identification and prosecution of those responsible.

The Guild further called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to exercise its oversight mandate and ensure investigations and any subsequent prosecutions were handled with the seriousness required.

“The safety of journalists is non-negotiable. The freedom of the media is non-negotiable. And the public’s right to know is non-negotiable,” Kananu said.

She called on President William Ruto and State agencies to ensure those responsible for Kiprotich’s abduction are held accountable.

“When a journalist is abducted, the victim is not the only one silenced. The entire public is silenced with him,” Kananu said.