NAIROBI, Kenya- The Crime Journalists Association of Kenya (CJAK) has condemned the abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich, calling for immediate investigations and accountability over the incident.
In a statement signed by CJAK Chairperson Joseph Muraya, the association said it was relieved that Kiprotich was found alive but remained deeply concerned by the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
Kiprotich was taken by armed, masked men along the Gilgil-Nakuru Road on Tuesday night before being found abandoned near Masinga Dam in Machakos County hours later.
“A journalist should not be abducted for doing his job,” CJAK said, describing the incident as part of a worrying pattern of attacks and intimidation targeting journalists in Kenya.
The association cited statistics from the Media Council of Kenya, which has documented 612 press-freedom violation cases since 2013.
CJAK said the situation remained concerning in 2026, pointing to several recent incidents involving journalists covering political events.
On July 16, journalists covering the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election in Nyandarua County were attacked.
ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa condemned what it described as violent physical assaults and armed intimidation during the election.
Among those attacked was The Star photojournalist Enos Teche, who was assaulted and had his camera taken.
CJAK also cited the assault of AFP journalists Fred Ooko and Brian Ongoro while covering a political rally in Homa Bay in August.
The association said Kiprotich’s case was particularly disturbing because it came about two months after another attempt to seize him in Nakuru.
CJAK called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to ensure the latest incident is investigated independently, professionally and transparently.
It also demanded answers over the earlier incident involving Kiprotich and attacks on journalists in Ol Kalou and Homa Bay.
CJAK said those responsible should be identified and prosecuted regardless of their rank or position.
The association further invoked Articles 29, 33 and 34 of the Constitution, which protect personal liberty and security, freedom of expression, and media freedom and independence.
“Journalism is not a crime,” CJAK said, adding that doing journalism must never become “a death sentence, an arrest warrant or an abduction order.”
