Jimi Wanjigi condemns reported abduction of Standard Group's Alex Kiprotich, cites attack on press freedom

Kenya Editors Guild condemns abduction of Standard Group editor Alex Kiprotich, demands accountability

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Kenya Editors Guild condemns abduction of Standard Group editor Alex Kiprotich, demands accountability

The Kenya Editors Guild has condemned the reported abduction of Alex Kiprotich, Associate Editor at The Standard Group, on September 2, along the Gilgil–Nakuru road. This incident marks the second reported attempt to seize Kiprotich in under two months, following a June 27 interception attempt in Nakuru. The Guild's president, Zubeidah Kananu, described the abduction as an assault on media freedom and Kenya's constitutional democracy. The Standard Group PLC confirmed Kiprotich was reportedly seized by armed men shortly before 9:20 pm. The earlier June incident occurred days after President William Ruto publicly criticized The Standard Group's editorial coverage. Investigations by The Standard Group reportedly traced the vehicle used in the June incident to the National Police Service's Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau. The Guild has issued four demands: a swift, transparent, and independent investigation into both incidents, a full probe into the alleged link between the vehicle and the National Police Service, identification and prosecution of all responsible parties, and a credible investigation into the assault of two Agence France-Presse journalists in Homa Bay Town. The Guild invoked Article 342 of the Constitution of Kenya, emphasizing that a journalist's safety and media freedom are non-negotiable. Kiprotich was found safe near Masinga Dam around 6:30 am on September 3, after being dumped by his captors and sheltered by a local family.

Tuko31 mins ago3 min

Standard Group editor Alex Kiprotich abducted near Gilgil, later found near Masinga Dam

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politics Kenya

Standard Group editor Alex Kiprotich abducted near Gilgil, later found near Masinga Dam

Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich was abducted by four masked, armed men along the Gilgil–Nakuru Highway on Tuesday night, September 2. A video shared by Standard Digital shows a white car blocking Kiprotich's vehicle, after which four masked men with AK-47 rifles surrounded his car. A woman traveling with Kiprotich screamed, and both pleaded with the assailants, who responded in Swahili that they wanted Alex. The men then dragged Kiprotich from his car and forced him into their vehicle before fleeing. The abduction sparked widespread condemnation from journalists, media organizations, political leaders, and the public, with many linking the attack to the Standard Newspaper's headlines. President William Ruto had recently stated that no Kenyan would be abducted or killed for expressing an opinion or criticizing the government. Standard Group CEO Chaacha Mwita led an overnight search, and Kiprotich was located near Masinga Dam approximately nine hours after his abduction. His captors had dumped him in the area, and he sought shelter with a nearby family until he was found. The Standard Group confirmed Kiprotich was safe but shaken and thanked all who assisted in the search and supported his family.

Standard Group associate editor Alex Kiprotich abducted and interrogated, found safe near Masinga Dam

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politics Kenya

Standard Group associate editor Alex Kiprotich abducted and interrogated, found safe near Masinga Dam

Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich was abducted by four masked, armed men on the night of September 1 along the Gilgil-Nakuru Road. His captors, traveling in a government-plated vehicle fitted with a siren, interrogated him about the media house's editorial operations. Kiprotich was found safe approximately nine hours later, dumped about 10 meters from Masinga Dam. He told colleagues he was seized by men with AK-47 rifles in a Subaru registered KDC-125E, which records indicate belongs to the government. During his captivity, he was questioned about how the Standard Group sources stories, makes editorial decisions, and about Gideon Moi, a shareholder. This incident follows a similar attempt on Kiprotich's life on June 27, 2026, when armed men in a Toyota Probox, later traced to the National Police Service Crimes Research and Intelligence Bureau, tried to seize him. No arrests or charges have been made in connection with the earlier incident. The Standard Group has issued a statement holding the state responsible for Kiprotich's safety and characterizing the abduction as a likely attempt to intimidate the media house over its editorial coverage.

Jimi Wanjigi condemns reported abduction of Standard Group's Alex Kiprotich, cites attack on press freedom

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Kenya Editors Guild condemns abduction of Standard Group editor Alex Kiprotich, demands accountability

Standard Group editor Alex Kiprotich abducted near Gilgil, later found near Masinga Dam

Standard Group associate editor Alex Kiprotich abducted and interrogated, found safe near Masinga Dam