MCK, CJAK, Nakuru scribes demand probe into Kiprotich abduction

By Newsflash Reporter

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK), Crime Journalists Association of Kenya (CJAK) and Nakuru Journalists Association (NJA) have condemned the abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich and called for swift investigations into the incident.

Kiprotich was abducted by armed and masked men along the Gilgil-Nakuru Road on Tuesday night before he was later found abandoned near Masinga Dam in Machakos County.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 2, MCK Chief Executive Officer and Secretary to the Council David Omwoyo said the Council was perturbed by the incident and demanded immediate, thorough and transparent investigations.

Omwoyo called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to establish the circumstances surrounding the abduction and ensure those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.

Video footage of the incident shows armed men blocking Kiprotich’s vehicle before ordering the occupants to lower the windows and get out. The journalist could be heard sounding fearful and intimidated during the confrontation.

“The Council believes that the country’s security agencies have the capability to use their intelligence networks to investigate and arrest the perpetrators of the crimes against journalists,” Omwoyo said.

He noted that MCK had previously documented several cases of violations against journalists and submitted them to security agencies for investigation and prosecution, but expressed concern over the lack of progress in some cases.

Calls for independent investigations

Omwoyo said Kiprotich had gone through a similar ordeal previously, with the last reported incident occurring in Nakuru County.

He said the failure to arrest anyone following the earlier attempted abduction was concerning, particularly because the journalist had reported the matter to police.

“The impunity for crimes against journalists in the country and increasing cases of press freedom violations is a major concern for the Council,” Omwoyo said.

The Council also expressed concern over the recent trolling and profiling of editors from different media houses, saying attacks on journalists and the media threaten democracy.

Meanwhile, Nakuru Journalists Association Chairperson Joseph Openda welcomed Kiprotich’s safe return and condemned the incident.

Openda called for a swift, transparent and independent investigation into both the latest abduction and the earlier attempt to seize Kiprotich in June.

“The safety of journalists must be treated as a matter of national importance,” Openda said, adding that no journalist should be abducted, threatened, assaulted or intimidated for carrying out professional duties.

He urged security agencies to take concrete measures to protect journalists and ensure perpetrators do not enjoy impunity, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 General Election.

CJAK demands accountability

CJAK Chairperson Joseph Muraya also condemned the abduction, saying the association was relieved that Kiprotich had been found alive but remained deeply disturbed by the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Muraya called on Kanja, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to ensure the case is investigated independently, professionally and transparently.

CJAK Chairperson, Mr Joseph Muraya. Photo/Joseph Muraya/Facebook

He said those responsible should be identified and brought to justice regardless of their position or influence.

Muraya cited several recent attacks against journalists, including assaults during the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election in Nyandarua County and an incident involving AFP journalists covering a political rally in Homa Bay.

He said Kiprotich’s case was particularly worrying because it came only about two months after another reported attempt to seize him in Nakuru.

CJAK further invoked Articles 29, 33 and 34 of the Constitution, which protect personal security, freedom of expression and media freedom.

“Journalism is not a crime,” Muraya said, as CJAK expressed solidarity with Kiprotich, his family and journalists working under increasingly difficult circumstances.