NAIROBI, Kenya — The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding the alleged abduction of Alex Kiprotich.
IPOA said its investigation team has visited and processed the identified primary and secondary scenes as it seeks to establish what happened during the reported incident.
The team has also recorded statements from the alleged victim and a key witness.
IPOA engages key institutions
As part of the investigation, IPOA said it has engaged relevant institutions and individuals, including the Standard Media Group, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
The oversight authority said it has also identified potentially relevant CCTV and dashboard-camera footage that could assist investigators in establishing the circumstances surrounding the alleged abduction.
Motor vehicle records relating to a vehicle of interest have also been obtained.
Investigations ongoing
IPOA said further investigative activities are continuing.
These include securing and analysing available digital and documentary evidence, recording additional statements and processing the vehicle of interest.
The authority is also working to establish the identity and involvement, if any, of police officers implicated in the incident.
The ongoing investigations are expected to help determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged abduction and establish whether any police officers were involved.
IPOA pledges independent investigation
IPOA said it remains committed to conducting the investigation independently and professionally and in accordance with the law.
Further investigative activities will continue as the authority analyses the available evidence and gathers additional information.
The journalist was reportedly intercepted by armed men at the Gilgil Weighbridge while travelling along the busy Nakuru-Nairobi highway.
The circumstances of the incident have generated concern within the media fraternity and renewed scrutiny of allegations of abductions involving individuals believed to be acting outside established police structures.
