NAIROBI, Kenya- Amnesty International Kenya has called for an independent, impartial and transparent investigation into the abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich, warning that the incident raises serious concerns over constitutional rights, media freedom and the safety of journalists.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 2, Amnesty Kenya Executive Director George Morara said Kiprotich’s abduction was particularly concerning because it came days after President William Ruto reaffirmed that Kenyans should not lose their liberty or dignity for expressing opinions.
Kiprotich was abducted shortly before 9.20pm on Tuesday while travelling along the Gilgil-Nakuru Road.
He was later found near Masinga Dam in Machakos County, about nine hours after he was taken, and was reported to be safe but shaken by the ordeal.
Amnesty said footage circulating from the incident showed armed individuals abducting the journalist, describing the images as “chilling”.
The rights organisation said the circumstances surrounding the incident were especially troubling because abduction can precede enforced disappearance.
“Every person has the right to liberty and security, and no one should be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention, abduction or enforced disappearance,” Morara said in the statement.
Concerns over media freedom
Amnesty Kenya said the incident also raised serious concerns about freedom of expression and media freedom.
The organisation argued that journalists must be able to perform their duties without intimidation, harassment, abduction or reprisals, warning that attacks against journalists affect not only their individual rights but also the public’s ability to access information.
Kiprotich’s abduction has drawn widespread condemnation after the Standard Group reported that he was taken by armed men along the highway.
The media organisation said he was later found near Masinga Dam after an overnight search.
The incident is also the second reported attempt to target Kiprotich in just over two months. On June 27, armed men reportedly tried to force him from his vehicle in Nakuru, but he escaped after locking his car and driving away.
The Standard Group later said its investigations linked the vehicle involved to the National Police Service’s Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau, although the claim has not resulted in publicly reported accountability.
Amnesty invokes Ruto’s pledge
Amnesty Kenya pointed to President Ruto’s remarks during the 16th anniversary celebrations of the Constitution on August 27.
At the event, Ruto said no Kenyan should lose their life, liberty or dignity merely for criticising the government, expressing an unpopular opinion or participating in a peaceful demonstration.
He also said credible allegations of human rights violations should be investigated independently, thoroughly and transparently, with those found responsible held accountable under the law.
Amnesty said the government must now demonstrate that commitment through action.
The organisation called for a full, independent, impartial and transparent investigation into Kiprotich’s abduction and urged authorities to ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable in accordance with the law.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission has similarly called for the arrest and prosecution of officers it alleges were involved in the incident.
