When journalists begin looking over their shoulders before doing their jobs, can Kenya still claim that press freedom is secure? The alleged abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich has reignited concerns over the safety of journalists and the state of press freedom in Kenya.
Kiprotich was allegedly abducted by armed men along the Gilgil–Nakuru road on Tuesday night before being found safe near Masinga Dam in Machakos County several hours later. The incident came just over two months after he was reportedly targeted in a separate incident in Nakuru.
The latest incident has drawn condemnation from media organisations and human rights groups, who are calling for a thorough and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged abduction.
Media Owners Association Chairperson Agnes Kalekye condemned the incident, saying journalists should be able to carry out their professional duties without intimidation, threats or interference.
The association has called for a swift, independent and transparent investigation to establish who was behind the incident and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
Kenya Editors Guild President Zubeida Kananu has also raised concerns over the incident, particularly because it marks the second reported attempt to abduct Kiprotich in just over two months.
The Guild has previously called for urgent measures to protect journalists and ensure perpetrators of violence against media workers are brought to justice.
The Media Council of Kenya has meanwhile criticised security agencies over what it described as their failure to adequately address attacks against journalists, arguing that security agencies have the intelligence capacity to investigate and bring perpetrators to justice.
The National Police Service has said it is investigating the incident. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has directed the Anti-Abduction Unit to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported kidnapping and identify those responsible.
Amnesty International has also condemned the incident, warning that the abduction raises serious concerns over freedom of expression and media freedom.
The rights organisation has urged the government to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law through concrete action, stressing that no one should be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention, abduction or enforced disappearance.
The incident has consequently intensified calls for authorities to establish who abducted Kiprotich, why he was targeted and whether his work as a journalist was connected to the attack.
As investigations continue, media and rights organisations are demanding accountability, warning that attacks against journalists not only endanger individual reporters but also threaten the public’s right to access information.
