By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, August 02, 2026 - Amnesty International Kenya has demanded an independent, impartial and transparent investigation into the abduction of Standard Media Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich, warning that the incident poses a serious threat to media freedom and freedom of expression.
Kiprotich was abducted by armed individuals in an incident captured on video and later found abandoned in Masinga, Machakos County, after being transported more than 200 kilometres from the Gilgil–Nakuru road, according to Amnesty.
The rights organisation yesterday condemned the incident, saying the circumstances surrounding the journalist’s abduction were “deeply troubling” for freedom of expression and media freedom.
“Journalists must be able to carry out their work without fear of intimidation, harassment, abduction or other reprisals,” Amnesty said.
The organisation warned that a climate in which journalists are targeted for their work threatens not only their rights but also the public’s right to access information and participate freely in public life.
Amnesty also raised concern over the broader human rights implications of the incident, noting that abductions can be a precursor to enforced disappearances.
“Every person has the right to liberty and security, and no one should be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention, abduction or enforced disappearance,” the organisation said.
The incident comes days after Kenya marked the 16th anniversary of the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution and joined the world in commemorating the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances.
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Amnesty Executive Director George Morara called on the Government to ensure a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Kiprotich’s abduction and that those responsible face the law.
The rights organisation cited President William Ruto’s recent declaration that every credible allegation of human rights violations should be investigated independently, thoroughly and transparently.
“Where wrongdoing is established, those responsible must be held accountable in accordance with the law,” President Ruto said, according to the statement.
Amnesty said the Government must now demonstrate that commitment through action, calling for an investigation that is “independent, impartial, thorough and transparent.”
“The government must demonstrate its commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law not only through words, but through concrete action,” Amnesty said.
The rights organisation maintained that Kenyans must be free to express their opinions, while journalists should be allowed to perform their professional duties without fear of abduction or reprisal.