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鈥揘akuru 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.
