Alex Kiprotich, associate editor at The Standard Group, escaped an attempted abduction in Nakuru on 27 June after three armed men in a Toyota Probox intercepted his vehicle. The men, wearing plain clothes and carrying AK-47 rifles, approached his car after blocking it, but Kiprotich locked the doors and drove away. He identified the vehicle as one linked to Kenya's police Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB), previously used in activist abductions. Kiprotich and a witness filed statements with local police, stating he believed he was targeted due to his editorial role at the media house.
The incident occurred three days after President William Ruto criticized The Standard Group in a post on X, accusing it of publishing "EXTORTIONIST propaganda HEADLINES" five days a week. Ruto directed the post at "GMoi," referencing Gideon Moi, son of former president Daniel arap Moi and a key shareholder in the media group. The Standard Group has been critical of Ruto's government, including through a recent KTN News series titled "The Gallery of Ruto's Lies."
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) demanded an investigation into the attempted kidnapping and called for accountability, citing rising dangers for journalists in Kenya. CPJ Africa director Angela Quintal said the incident contradicts Ruto's 2022 pledge to support press freedom. Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga denied any police involvement, responding to CPJ with, "Police and abduction in the same line? You need to get your facts right." He did not respond to a formal letter from Kiprotich's lawyer naming officers allegedly involved.
President Ruto's public attack on The Standard Group immediately preceded an armed attempt to abduct one of its top editors, raising questions about the safety of journalists under his administration. The use of a police-linked vehicle in the incident, and the failure of authorities to respond to legal correspondence naming officers, deepens concerns about state involvement. If those accused are indeed police personnel, it suggests a pattern of silencing critical voices through intimidation. The situation undermines Ruto's earlier claims of supporting press freedom.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
