Investigators probing the reported abduction of Standard Group Editor Alex Kiprotich have secured new material that could help trace what happened after he was allegedly intercepted along the Nakuru-Gilgil highway.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) said it had obtained CCTV and dashboard-camera footage as well as motor vehicle records connected to a vehicle of interest in the case.
IPOA Vice-Chairperson Ann Wanjiku Mwangi said the material forms part of evidence being collected as the authority seeks to establish the circumstances surrounding the September 1 incident.
Kiprotich was reportedly intercepted by armed men while travelling along the Nakuru-Gilgil highway. He was later found near Masinga Dam, hours after the alleged abduction.
The authority has been examining locations associated with the incident as investigators work to establish the sequence of events and determine what happened before and after Kiprotich was reportedly taken.
“The investigation team has visited and processed the identified primary and secondary scenes,” she said.
As part of the inquiry, investigators have also spoken to Kiprotich and a key witness, with their statements expected to assist in piecing together the events surrounding the incident.
IPOA has sought information from a number of institutions and individuals who may have material relevant to the investigation. These include the Standard Media Group, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
The authority is particularly interested in evidence that can help establish the movement of vehicles believed to be connected to the incident.
“IPOA has also identified potentially relevant CCTV and dashboard-camera footage and obtained motor vehicle records relating to a vehicle of interest,” Mwangi said.
The footage and vehicle records could help investigators follow the movements linked to the incident and establish what took place around the point where Kiprotich was allegedly intercepted.
The case has also raised questions over possible police involvement, following accounts that armed men were behind the reported abduction.
The Standard has reported that investigators are working to identify a number of police officers allegedly linked to the incident.
IPOA, however, said the investigation had not so far established the identity or involvement of any police officers implicated in the case.
The authority said its investigators were continuing to collect information, examine available evidence and record further statements as they seek to establish the full circumstances of the incident.
“Further investigative activities are ongoing,” Mwangi said.
She said IPOA was also securing and reviewing digital and documentary evidence gathered during the inquiry while continuing with the taking of statements.
One of the issues investigators are seeking to settle is whether police officers were involved in the reported incident and, if so, what their role may have been.
Mwangi said the inquiry would establish “the identity and involvement, if any, of police officers implicated in the incident.”
The latest development follows the recording of a statement by Kiprotich with investigators and a forensic examination of the vehicle he was travelling in at the time of the incident.
IPOA said it would continue handling the case independently as it works to establish the facts surrounding the reported abduction.
“IPOA remains committed to conducting the investigation independently, professionally and in accordance with the law,” Mwangi said.