The alleged abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich has sparked fresh concern over the safety of journalists after he reportedly disappeared while travelling on the Gilgil-Nakuru road on Tuesday night.
Kiprotich was allegedly taken shortly before 9:20 pm, according to Standard Group, which said it was yet to establish where the editor was when the company issued a statement on September 1, 2026.
The latest incident has also brought renewed attention to a previous confrontation involving Kiprotich in June, when armed men allegedly tried to force him out of his vehicle.
Standard Group said the June 27 incident happened as Kiprotich was driving to work in Nakuru. The men, who were travelling in a Toyota Probox, reportedly attempted to seize him, but he managed to get away after locking the doors of his vehicle and driving off.
The company said its investigations into the earlier incident established that the vehicle used by the armed men was linked to the National Police Service’s Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau.
However, Standard Group said no person had been held accountable over the June incident despite the findings.
The media company said the latest disappearance was of particular concern because Kiprotich had been involved in editorial work examining the conduct of the State.
It described the incident as a possible targeted attack and demanded that Kiprotich be released immediately, safely and without conditions.
“We do not believe this is a coincidence,” the statement said.
Standard Group also wants a prompt, transparent and independent inquiry into Tuesday’s alleged abduction as well as the June 27 incident, saying the circumstances surrounding both cases need to be established.
The company further called for measures to guarantee the safety of journalists working in Kenya, citing constitutional protections covering freedom of expression and media freedom.
It urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Media Council of Kenya (MCK) and Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), alongside other organisations, to demand answers and assist in efforts to ensure Kiprotich is located safely.