The National Police Service has ordered an immediate investigation into the alleged kidnapping of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich in Gilgil, as it condemned abductions and intimidation targeting journalists.
In a statement on Wednesday, Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said Inspector General of Police had directed officers to establish what happened during the reported incident.
The Service said it was particularly investigating reports that heavily armed individuals ordered occupants out of their vehicle.
“The Inspector General of Police has accordingly ordered immediate investigations to determine what transpired, including the identity of the heavily armed individuals reportedly seen ordering occupants out of their vehicle,” Nyaga said.
The NPS said its Anti-Abduction Unit, which was established to address abductions and disappearances, was actively investigating the matter.
The Service said it would pursue those responsible and ensure they face justice.
“The NPS treats kidnapping and abduction with the utmost seriousness, as these grave offences threaten the lives, liberty and security of Kenyans,” the statement said.
The police further condemned any attempt to interfere with press freedom or other constitutional rights through kidnapping, abduction or intimidation.
“We unequivocally condemn any act of kidnapping, abduction, or intimidation intended to interfere with press freedom or any other constitutional right,” Nyaga said.
The statement also addressed a headline published by The Standard concerning alleged police brutality. The NPS described the headline as misleading, inflammatory and unsupported by evidence.
The Service accused the publication of sensationalising isolated incidents and warned that such reporting could undermine public confidence in the police.
“We urge media houses to exercise restraint and verify facts before publication, in the interest of national stability and public trust,” the NPS said.
The police maintained that it is committed to the Constitution, the National Police Service Act and other relevant laws.
It said allegations of police brutality are referred to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority for impartial investigations, adding that officers found culpable are not shielded from accountability.
The NPS said it cooperates with IPOA, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Judiciary in dealing with allegations against police officers.
According to the statement, IPOA's Annual Report for 2024/2025 shows that 262 cases involving police officers are pending before the courts, while 42 officers have been convicted since the oversight authority was established.
The Service said every allegation of misconduct is treated seriously and investigated. “We assure the public that every allegation of misconduct is treated with the utmost seriousness, investigated thoroughly and expeditiously, and any officer found culpable is brought to justice without fear, favour, or delay,” it said.
The NPS said the investigation into the Gilgil incident would be transparent and reaffirmed that no individual is above the law.
It also emphasised the importance of cooperation between the police and the media in protecting Kenya's constitutional order.
“The police and media are partners in serving the public interest by safeguarding Kenya's constitutional order,” the statement said. The Service pledged to continue protecting all persons, upholding the Constitution and ensuring that the rule of law prevails.