Media groups demand independent probe into alleged abduction of Standard editor Alex Kiprotich

The Kenya Media Sector Working Group (KMSWG) has demanded an immediate, transparent and independent investigation into the alleged abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich, warning that growing attacks and intimidation of journalists threaten media freedom and the public’s right to information.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Nairobi on Wednesday, representatives of media organisations called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure those responsible are held accountable.

Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) President Zubeidah Kananu said the media fraternity would not remain silent in the face of intimidation.

“Those driving this campaign of intimidation must be reminded that Kenya is governed by a supreme Constitution, not goons and shadow operatives,” Kananu said.

She called for an investigation by the DCI and IPOA, including scrutiny of any command structures that may have been involved in the operation.

Kananu also urged journalists to remain steadfast in their work despite threats and intimidation.

“Do not put down your pens. Do not mute your microphones. Power must be held to account, and the truth cannot be abducted,” she said.

The press conference followed reports that Kiprotich was intercepted along the Gilgil-Nakuru highway before later being found alive.

Media groups vow to pursue accountability

Kenya Association of Journalists (KAJ) representative Eric Oduor said the media sector was pursuing the matter with IPOA and would seek action against any officers found to have been involved.

“We are writing to IPOA so that action can be taken against these officers,” Oduor said.

Oduor alleged that the media organisations had identified the police unit suspected of involvement as the Operation Support Unit and named an officer he identified as Zachary Kariuki as its commander.

He also named a Corporal Chemsit, whom he alleged was heard shouting at Kiprotich during the incident.

The allegations against the officers and the unit have not been independently verified, and the investigation is expected to establish whether security personnel were involved.

“We are not just holding a press conference here to condemn and go away. We are going to pursue this matter, including the officers who were on the ground at the particular time when the abduction was carried out,” Oduor said.

He said the media fraternity would consider other legal avenues if the relevant oversight and investigative institutions failed to act.

‘Follow the proper channels’

Media Council of Kenya representative Rebecca Mutiso said anyone aggrieved by the work of a journalist should use established legal and regulatory mechanisms instead of resorting to intimidation or abduction.

“If you feel aggrieved by any journalist, please follow the proper channels. We have the Complaints Commission; bring your complaints there. Abduction should not be one of them,” Mutiso said.

She described journalists as a mirror through which society examines itself and warned that media freedom is often among the first casualties when democratic institutions come under pressure.

Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) representative Queenter Mbori said an attack against one journalist ultimately affects the entire media fraternity and the citizens who depend on journalists for information.

“An attack on any journalist is an attack on the rest of us, but most importantly, it is to the citizens of this country,” Mbori said.

She called on the government to uphold the rule of law and guarantee the safety of journalists carrying out their professional duties.

Media freedom concerns ahead of 2027

KMSWG said the incident should be viewed against what it described as a worsening environment for journalists, characterised by attacks, intimidation and restrictions on media freedom.

The group warned that intimidation of journalists was particularly concerning as Kenya heads towards the 2027 General Election, when an independent media will play a critical role in scrutinising political actors and providing citizens with information needed to make informed choices.

It cited constitutional protections for freedom of expression and media freedom, arguing that attacks against journalists undermine democratic accountability and the public’s right to know.

KMSWG urged journalists, editors, broadcasters, photographers and camera crews across the country to remain vigilant and continue performing their professional duties despite the threats.

“We will leverage every legal, constitutional and international mechanism available to protect our newsrooms, because power must be held to account, and the truth cannot be abducted,” the group said.