Amnesty, KANU Women demand probe into Kiprotich abduction

By Newsflash Team

Amnesty International Kenya, KANU Women Congress and former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo have condemned the abduction of Standard Media Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich, demanding a thorough and independent investigation into the incident.

Kiprotich was abducted by armed and hooded men on Tuesday night, September 1, 2026, along the Gilgil–Nakuru Road. He was later found safe in Masinga, Machakos County, more than 200 kilometres from where he was reportedly taken, after footage emerged showing individuals forcibly taking him.

Amnesty demands independent investigation

In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 2, Amnesty International Kenya said the abduction was deeply concerning and posed a threat to freedom of expression and media freedom.

The organisation said the incident occurred only days after President William Ruto declared that no Kenyan should lose their liberty or dignity for expressing an opinion.

“Every credible allegation of a human rights violation must be investigated independently, thoroughly and transparently,” Ruto said during celebrations marking the 16th anniversary of the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution.

Amnesty said the President’s remarks should be matched by concrete action, calling on the government to investigate Kiprotich’s abduction and ensure those found responsible are held accountable.

STATEMENT: Alex Kiprotich’s abduction, days after President Ruto said no Kenyan should lose their liberty or dignity for expressing an opinion, raises serious concerns for media freedom.

We call for an independent investigation and accountability for those responsible.… pic.twitter.com/vPi8YW5REN
— Amnesty Kenya (@AmnestyKenya) September 2, 2026

The organisation noted that the incident came shortly after Kenya marked the anniversary of the Constitution and joined the world in commemorating the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances.

It warned that abductions could be a precursor to enforced disappearance, stressing that every person has the right to liberty and security and should not be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention, abduction or enforced disappearance.

Amnesty Executive Director George Morara said journalists must be allowed to perform their duties without intimidation, harassment, abduction or other reprisals.

“A climate in which journalists are targeted for their work threatens not only their rights, but the public’s right to access information and participate freely in public life,” the organisation said.

KANU Women Congress, Faith Odhiambo demand accountability

KANU Women Congress Chairperson for Nakuru County Jedidah Wairimu also condemned the reported abduction, saying she was particularly concerned that such an incident could occur along a road in the county.

Wairimu welcomed Kiprotich’s safe return but said his release should not bring the matter to an end.

She called for a thorough, independent and transparent investigation to establish what happened, identify those responsible and ensure they face the law.

“Freedom of the press is a fundamental pillar of democracy,” Wairimu said, urging journalists to remain courageous and united in defending freedom of expression and Kenyans’ right to information.

She further called on the National Police Service and other security agencies to provide clear answers over the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Former LSK President Faith Odhiambo described the abduction as a “grave assault” on press freedom, human dignity, the rule of law and every Kenyan’s right to live without fear.

Odhiambo said no journalist should be abducted, intimidated or subjected to violence for performing lawful professional duties.

She demanded an independent and transparent investigation to establish those who planned, ordered, facilitated or executed the abduction.

“His release is welcome but accountability is non-negotiable,” Odhiambo said, while expressing solidarity with Kiprotich, his family and the wider media fraternity.

The three statements come amid renewed concerns over the safety of journalists and the protection of fundamental freedoms in Kenya, with calls growing for security agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding Kiprotich’s ordeal and bring those responsible to account.