The National Police Service has ordered immediate investigations into the alleged abduction of Standard Group editor Alex Kiprotich, who was reportedly taken by armed men along the Gilgil-Nakuru Road on Tuesday night.Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja directed police to establish exactly what happened and identify the heavily armed individuals who were reportedly seen ordering occupants out of a vehicle during the incident.
The case has attracted public attention, with questions being raised over the circumstances surrounding Kiprotich’s disappearance and the people believed to have been involved.
National Police Service spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said the Anti-Abduction Unit had taken up the matter and was actively investigating the incident.
“Our Anti-Abduction Unit, specifically established to address abductions and disappearances, is actively investigating and will ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice,” Nyaga said.
Kanja said the incident would be treated seriously, particularly if investigations confirm that Kiprotich was kidnapped or abducted. Police have also been tasked with determining the identities of the people who were allegedly involved and establishing what happened before and after the journalist was taken.
The National Police Service condemned acts of kidnapping, abduction and intimidation, saying such actions could interfere with press freedom and other rights protected by the Constitution.
“We unequivocally condemn any act of kidnapping, abduction, or intimidation intended to interfere with press freedom or any other constitutional right,” the police said.
The Service, however, rejected a headline published by The Standard that alleged police brutality in connection with the incident. Police described the headline as misleading and said it was not supported by evidence available at the time.
“We state categorically that the headline is misleading, inflammatory, and unsupported by evidence,” the NPS stated.
Police accused the publication of sensationalising what they described as isolated incidents, warning that such reporting could affect public confidence in the Service.
The NPS also clarified that complaints involving alleged police brutality are handled through the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), which is responsible for independently investigating such allegations.
According to the police, officers found to have acted unlawfully are held accountable through the appropriate processes.
The ongoing investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding Kiprotich’s alleged abduction, the identities of the armed individuals and whether any police officers were involved.
Authorities have urged patience as the investigation continues, while the incident remains under close public attention.
