The Media Council of Kenya has demanded an immediate, thorough and transparent investigation into the abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich, who was seized by armed men on the Gilgil-Nakuru Road and later abandoned in Machakos.
In a statement issued Wednesday, MCK called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to establish the circumstances of the attack. Video footage shows armed people blocking Kiprotich’s vehicle and violently ordering occupants to lower the windows and get out. The journalist sounded “extremely fearful, intimidated and threatened,” the Council said.
Kiprotich was later found safe near Masinga Dam after about nine hours. Standard Group said he was shaken but unharmed. The incident is the second targeting the editor. An earlier attempt in Nakuru County produced no arrests despite a police report.
MCK CEO David Omwoyo said security agencies have the intelligence networks to identify and arrest those behind crimes against journalists “but choose to ignore the matter.” The Council has documented multiple press-freedom violations and submitted them to the IG without results. The Director of Public Prosecutions has already directed police to act on several forwarded cases within 30 days.
“The impunity for crimes against journalists in the country and increasing cases of press freedom violations is a major concern,” the statement said. MCK identified the lack of investigations and prosecutions as a core obstacle to independent journalism and access to information.
The Council also condemned recent social-media trolling and profiling of editors from several media houses, including Nation Media Group.
Media freedom is guaranteed under Article 34 of the Constitution and must be guarded zealously, MCK said. The State has a duty to ensure journalists are not intimidated or harassed, because attacks on the media threaten democracy.
Omwoyo issued the statement on behalf of the Council in Nairobi.
