NAIROBI, Kenya- An associate editor at Standard Media Group was the target of an attempted abduction by four armed men in Nakuru on Saturday, an incident that has heightened concerns over the safety of journalists amid escalating tensions between the government and one of Kenya’s leading media houses.
According to reports, four armed men travelling in a Toyota Probox attempted to abduct Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich in the early hours of Saturday in Nakuru County.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, and there was no immediate confirmation from police on whether the matter had been formally reported or whether any suspects had been arrested.
The reported incident comes just days after President William Ruto launched a series of public attacks against Standard Media Group over its editorial coverage.
In posts published on his social media accounts this week, Ruto accused the media house of running what he described as “extortionist propaganda” against his administration.
The remarks drew criticism from political leaders, media stakeholders and civil society groups, who warned that such statements from the country’s highest office risk undermining press freedom.
Standard Media Group responded by defending its editorial independence, saying its journalism is guided by facts, professional ethics and the public interest.
The company said criticism of its reporting should not translate into attempts to intimidate journalists or interfere with independent news coverage.
The reported attempted abduction of Kiprotich has intensified concerns over the security of journalists covering politically sensitive issues.
It is, however, not clear whether the incident is linked to the media house backlash against the President.