NAIROBI, Kenya — The National Police Service (NPS) has ordered investigations into the alleged abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich in Gilgil, as the police service faces renewed scrutiny over the safety of journalists and allegations of police misconduct.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja directed the NPS Anti-Abduction Unit to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported incident, in which armed individuals were allegedly seen ordering occupants out of a vehicle.
The NPS said it had taken the report seriously and would pursue anyone found responsible.
“The NPS treats kidnapping and abduction with the utmost seriousness, as these grave offences threaten the lives, liberty and security of Kenyans,” police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said in a statement.
Nyaga said investigators would establish what happened and determine the identity of the armed individuals reportedly involved.
“Our Anti-Abduction Unit, specifically established to address abductions and disappearances, is actively investigating and will ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice,” he said.
Police respond to Standard report
The investigation was announced as the NPS responded to a report published by The Standard concerning alleged police brutality.
The police service strongly disputed what it described as a misleading and inflammatory headline, saying the publication was not supported by sufficient evidence.
The NPS accused the newspaper of sensationalising isolated incidents and warned that such reporting could undermine public confidence in the police.
“We urge media houses to exercise restraint and verify facts before publication, in the interest of national stability and public trust,” the service said.
The dispute between the police and the media organisation has added sensitivity to the reported Gilgil incident involving one of the newspaper’s senior journalists.
NPS says brutality claims are investigated
Despite its criticism of the report, the NPS said it remained committed to accountability and respect for human rights.
The service said allegations of police brutality are referred to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) for investigation.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the NPS is a constitutional body fully committed to the rule of law and the protection of fundamental human rights,” Nyaga said.
The NPS said it operates under the Constitution, the National Police Service Act and other applicable laws and does not shield officers accused of misconduct.
It cited IPOA’s 2024/2025 Annual Report, which indicates that 262 cases involving police officers were pending before the courts, while 42 officers had been convicted since the oversight authority was established.
“Any officer found culpable is brought to justice without fear, favour, or delay,” the NPS said.
Police cite cooperation with oversight agencies
The NPS said it works with IPOA, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the Judiciary to ensure police officers accused of wrongdoing are held accountable.
The service said allegations of misconduct are subject to investigation and that officers found culpable face the appropriate legal consequences.
The police response comes amid continued public debate over alleged abductions, enforced disappearances and police conduct in Kenya.
The NPS said it would continue investigating complaints while maintaining its constitutional responsibility to protect the public.
Journalist’s alleged abduction under investigation
The reported Gilgil incident has nevertheless placed additional attention on the safety of journalists, particularly because the alleged incident involves a senior editor at a major media organisation.
According to the NPS, the investigation will establish what happened, identify those allegedly involved and determine whether a criminal offence was committed.
The police service did not, in its statement, provide details on the circumstances leading to the alleged confrontation or identify the armed individuals.
The allegations therefore remain subject to investigation and have not been independently established.
NPS condemns intimidation of journalists
The police service said it unequivocally condemned kidnapping, abduction and intimidation intended to interfere with press freedom or any other constitutional right.
“The police and media are partners in serving the public interest by safeguarding Kenya’s constitutional order,” Nyaga said.
The NPS said it would ensure a transparent investigation into the Gilgil incident and insisted that no individual was above the law.
The service urged the public to remain confident in the investigation, saying it was committed to protecting all persons, upholding the Constitution and ensuring that the rule of law prevails.
