Amnesty International Kenya has condemned the abduction of Standard Media Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich, saying the attack threatens freedom of expression and media freedom.
Armed individuals seized Kiprotich along the Gilgil–Nakuru road on the night of 1 September. He was later found abandoned in Masinga, Machakos County, after being transported more than 200 kilometres. Kenyans were shocked by chilling video footage of the brazen abduction, the organisation said in a statement issued Wednesday.
Incident follows president’s pledge and Constitution anniversary
The abduction came just days after President William Ruto declared that no Kenyan should lose their liberty or dignity for expressing an opinion. It also followed Kenya’s commemoration of the 16th anniversary of the 2010 Constitution and the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances.
Amnesty said the timing was deeply concerning. Abductions can be a precursor to enforced disappearance. Every person has the right to liberty and security, and no one should be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention, abduction or enforced disappearance.
The circumstances surrounding Kiprotich’s abduction are also troubling for media freedom. Journalists must carry out their work without fear of intimidation, harassment, abduction or other reprisals. A climate in which journalists are targeted threatens not only their rights but the public’s right to access information and participate freely in public life.
Amnesty demands independent investigation
At the Constitution anniversary celebrations, President Ruto reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the rule of law, stating: “Every credible allegation of a human rights violation must be investigated independently, thoroughly and transparently. Where wrongdoing is established, those responsible must be held accountable in accordance with the law.”
Amnesty therefore called on the government to ensure an independent, impartial, thorough and transparent investigation into the abduction and to hold anyone found responsible accountable.
The government must demonstrate its commitment to constitutionalism not only through words but through concrete action, said Executive Director George Morara. Kenyans must be free to express their opinions, and journalists must be free to do their work, without fear of abduction or reprisal.
