Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that the reported abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich was connected to an investigation into alleged misuse of compensation money meant for Mau Forest evictees.
Gachagua made the claims on Wednesday, a day after armed men reportedly intercepted Kiprotich along the Gilgil-Nakuru road. The journalist was later found safe near Masinga Dam in Machakos County, more than 200 kilometres from where he was reportedly taken.
The allegations have not been independently verified. Police have denied involvement and ordered an investigation into the incident.
Gachagua alleges motive behind abduction
In a statement, Gachagua said Kiprotich had been preparing an investigation into compensation claims involving thousands of Mau evictees from the Kipsigis community.
He alleged that millions of shillings intended for the affected families had been diverted through officials and intermediaries.
Alex Kiprotich was preparing for an assignment in the Mau Forest,” Gachagua said, alleging that the journalist was working on an exposé about the alleged loss of compensation funds.
He further claimed that the planned investigation detailed how the money had been diverted, leaving affected families without the compensation they were expecting.
Gachagua did not provide publicly verifiable evidence in the statement to support his claims.
Police reject involvement and open investigation
The National Police Service has denied involvement in Kiprotich’s reported abduction.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja directed the Anti-Abduction Unit to investigate what happened and identify the armed men seen during the incident.
“The Inspector General of Police has accordingly ordered immediate investigations to determine what transpired,” police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said. The investigation will also examine the identity of the heavily armed individuals reportedly involved.
Police said abduction and kidnapping were serious offences and pledged to pursue those responsible.
The reported incident has nevertheless raised wider questions about the safety of journalists in Kenya, particularly because Kiprotich had reportedly survived an attempted abduction in June.
Media groups demand answers
The Media Council of Kenya has called for an immediate and transparent investigation, while the Kenya Editors Guild has urged authorities to establish what happened in both reported incidents involving Kiprotich.
Amnesty International Kenya also condemned the abduction, saying the incident raised serious concerns about freedom of expression and media freedom.
The Standard Group has previously said Kiprotich was questioned by his captors about the media organisation’s sources and editorial decisions. Reuters reported that the Committee to Protect Journalists had called for a thorough investigation.
For now, the circumstances surrounding Kiprotich’s abduction remain under investigation. Gachagua’s claims about the alleged Mau compensation investigation and the people behind the incident have not been independently established.
The police investigation is expected to determine who abducted the journalist, why he was targeted and whether the incident was connected to his professional work.
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