NAIROBI, Kenya- The Kenya Editors Guild has condemned the abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich, demanding an independent investigation into the incident and an earlier attempt to seize him.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 2, the Guild described the incident as a serious threat to media freedom, freedom of expression and the public’s right to information.
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.
The Guild said the latest incident was particularly concerning because it was the second attempt to seize or harm Kiprotich in barely two months.
On June 27, armed men travelling in a Toyota Probox reportedly attempted to intercept Kiprotich as he drove to work in Nakuru. He escaped by locking his vehicle and driving away.
According to The Guild, investigations subsequently undertaken by The Standard reportedly traced the vehicle involved in the June incident to the National Police Service’s Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau.
The Guild also linked the latest incident to the assault of Kisumu-based Agence France-Presse journalists Fred Ooko and Brian Ongoro while covering a Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay Town in August.
The two journalists were attacked and assaulted by armed individuals while covering events in the town.
