Journalist Found Safe
Amnesty International Kenya has called for a full probe into the reported abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich.
Kiprotich was found safe near Masinga Dam in Machakos County. He had been missing for about nine hours after he was reportedly seized along the Gilgil-Nakuru road.
He was found in the early hours of Wednesday. A Standard Group team later reached him. The media house said he was safe but visibly shaken by the ordeal.
The incident has renewed concern over the safety of journalists in Kenya.
Amnesty Demands Answers
Amnesty Kenya said the circumstances must be established through an independent and transparent investigation.
Executive Director George Morara said those responsible should face the law if wrongdoing is confirmed.
“We therefore call on the government to ensure an independent, impartial, thorough and transparent investigation,” Morara said.
Amnesty said journalists must be allowed to work without fear. It warned that attacks on journalists can also affect the public’s right to information.
The rights group said the case was especially concerning after President William Ruto recently reaffirmed his commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law.
Questions Remain
The reported abduction happened shortly before 9.20pm on Tuesday. The Standard Group said Kiprotich had been travelling towards Nakuru when he was intercepted.
Footage shared by the media house appeared to show masked and armed men stopping the vehicle. Kiprotich was then pulled from the car.
The motive has not been established. Police have said the circumstances are being investigated.
The Standard Group has also raised questions over an earlier incident. It said armed men had tried to seize Kiprotich from his vehicle in June.
He escaped that attempt by locking his doors and driving away, according to the company. No one has been publicly held responsible for that incident.
Focus on Press Freedom
The Kenya Editors Guild has also condemned the reported abduction. It described the incident as a serious concern for media freedom and constitutional democracy.
Amnesty said the government must now demonstrate its commitment to the rule of law through action.
“Kenyans must be free to express their opinions,” the organisation said, while calling for journalists to work without fear of abduction or reprisal.
For now, Kiprotich’s safe recovery has brought relief to his family and colleagues. But questions over what happened on the Gilgil-Nakuru road remain unanswered.
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