Key facts
- Alex Kiprotich, an associate editor for Standard Group, was abducted by armed men.
- He was taken from a car near Nakuru, Kenya, and later found safe near Masinga Dam.
- The abduction occurred shortly before 9:20 p.m. on Tuesday.
- Dashcam footage appears to show four armed and masked men involved.
- The incident follows a pattern of abductions of government critics and activists in Kenya.
- Standard Group CEO Chaacha Mwita linked the incident to Kiprotich's work as a journalist.
An editor for one of Kenya's largest news outlets, Alex Kiprotich of Standard Group, was abducted by armed men and later found safe over 200 km away. Kiprotich, an associate editor, was taken from a car near Nakuru on Tuesday evening. Dashcam footage shared by his employer appeared to show four masked, armed individuals involved in the incident.
Kiprotich was discovered near Masinga Dam, southeast of Nakuru, hours after his abduction. His employer stated he was found safe, but provided no further details on his condition or the circumstances of his release. Kenyan police had not immediately commented on the incident.
This abduction occurs amid a backdrop of numerous reported abductions and disappearances of government critics and activists in Kenya since anti-government demonstrations began in June 2024. Human rights groups have accused state security agencies of involvement, allegations that government officials deny. However, President William Ruto acknowledged in June that instances of excessive and extrajudicial action by security services had occurred.
The Standard newspaper, owned by Standard Group, has been critical of Ruto's government. Standard Group CEO Chaacha Mwita stated that Kiprotich had survived an earlier attempt to seize him in June and that both incidents were connected to his journalistic work. Mwita expressed dismay over the event, questioning Kenya's commitment to media freedom.