NAIROBI — Standard Group reported that associate editor Alex Kiprotich was abducted by four armed, masked men near Nakuru on Tuesday night and released hours later near Masinga Dam, more than 200 km southeast of the city.
Details of the kidnapping
According to dash‑cam footage shared by the media company, the men emerged from a vehicle parked on a busy road, seized Kiprotich from a car, and his screams were heard as they forced him into the vehicle. He was later dumped at the edge of the dam, where he was found safe, though the company gave no further information about his condition.
Context of press intimidation
The incident follows a pattern of abductions and disappearances of government critics and activists since anti‑government protests erupted in June 2024. Human‑rights groups have repeatedly accused Kenya’s security agencies of involvement, while officials deny the allegations. President William Ruto has acknowledged that some members of the security services have engaged in excessive or extrajudicial actions.
The Standard newspaper, owned by Standard Group, has been a vocal critic of the Ruto administration, accusing it of fostering corruption and police brutality. In response, President Ruto has labeled the outlet’s reporting as “extortionist propaganda headlines.”
Standard Group’s response
CEO Chaacha Mwita said Kiprotich survived a prior attempt by armed men in June and linked both incidents to his work as a journalist. “This is a really sad thing to happen in a country like Kenya that says it is free and respects the freedom of the media and journalists to do their work,” Mwita said.
Kenyan police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and Ruto’s spokesperson also declined to comment.
Implications for media freedom
The kidnapping underscores the precarious environment for journalists covering government criticism in Kenya. Press freedom advocates warn that such intimidation threatens the public’s right to information and the ability of families to hear the truth about their leaders.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
