NAIROBI, Kenya- The Media Council of Kenya has called for an immediate investigation into the abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich, who was found abandoned in Machakos County 9 hours after being taken from his vehicle.
Kiprotich was abducted on Tuesday night along the Gilgil-Nakuru Road by armed men who blocked his vehicle and ordered those inside to get out.
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) said video footage from the incident showed armed masked men surrounding Kiprotich’s vehicle and ordering the occupants to lower the windows.
The Council said the journalist appeared frightened and threatened during the incident.
MCK has called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to establish what happened, identify those responsible and ensure that the case is properly investigated.
The incident is the second reported attempt to seize Kiprotich in less than three months.
On June 27, armed men reportedly attempted to intercept him as he drove to work in Nakuru. Kiprotich escaped by locking his vehicle and driving away.
MCK Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo said it was concerned that no one had been arrested over the earlier incident despite the journalist reporting it to police.
The Council said it had previously documented several cases involving violations against journalists and submitted them to the police for investigation and prosecution.
It also said the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed police to act on several cases referred to the Inspector General within 30 days.
MCK said the lack of investigations and prosecutions remained a major concern in cases involving attacks on journalists.
The Council also raised concerns about what it described as the recent trolling and profiling of editors on social media, citing editors from the Nation Media Group among those targeted.
Kenya’s Constitution protects freedom of the media under Article 34, which prohibits state interference with the dissemination of information.
“The State bears the responsibility of ensuring that journalists are not intimidated or harassed because attacks on the media are a threat to democracy,” MCK said.
Kiprotich was eventually found safe near Masinga Dam in Machakos County after an overnight search. He was reported to be shaken but alive.
The circumstances surrounding his abduction, including the identities and motive of those involved, remain under investigation.
