Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich who was abducted in Nakuru and dumped near Masinga Dam is safe and sound.
But the reported abduction has huge implications given, according to the Kenya Editors Guild, appears to be a disturbing escalation in the intimidation and targeting of journalists in Kenya.
Zubeidah Kananu, the president of Kenya Editors Guild is calling for independent probe into the incident that puts police on the spot.
“We are calling for a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding Kiprotich’s reported abduction, as well as the earlier incident on June 27 when armed men allegedly attempted to intercept him while he was driving to work in Nakuru,” Ms. Kananu says.
While this is not simply an attack on one journalist, it is an assault on media freedom, freedom of expression, the public’s right to know and, ultimately, Kenya’s constitutional democracy, said the Guild in a statement.
Standard Group says shortly before 9:20 pm on Tuesday, September 1, Mr Kiprotich was picked along the Gilgil–Nakuru road by four masked armed men while travelling to Nakuru.
The media house adds that Kiprotich sought refuge at a nearby household before he was located at around 6. 30am today.
“He is safe and okay, though visibly shaken by the ordeal,” Standard said in a statement issued today.
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