Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has called for swift action against those behind the abduction of The Standard Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich, warning that journalists must be protected as the country heads towards the election period.
Murkomen condemned the incident in strong terms, describing the abduction as “embarrassing” and “barbaric” and calling on the police to establish what happened and ensure anyone found responsible faces the law.
The Interior CS spoke on Thursday, September 3, 2026, during the funeral service of his aunt, Mama Sokomo Chemeitoi KoJepkosgei, held at St. Michael’s Secondary School Grounds in Embobut, Elgeyo Marakwet County.
He specifically appealed to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to put measures in place to ensure journalists can carry out their work safely, particularly as the country enters a politically sensitive period.
“It’s embarrassing and barbaric. Whoever is involved must face the full force of the law…I want to ask the IG that as we head into the election period, let’s provide journalists with enough security for them to perform their duties,” he said.
Murkomen further defended the role of the media, saying journalists contribute to peace and security and should be allowed to perform their duties without intimidation.
He assured members of the fourth estate that the government was committed to their safety, while also urging anyone unhappy with media coverage to use the courts instead of resorting to other means.
“I want to assure journalists that I’m one of your stakeholders. I have benefited from working with you, and I know the good work you are doing…If I have a problem with a journalist, I will go to court,” he added.
The remarks came against the backdrop of claims by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who accused Murkomen and other senior security officials of having a role in Kiprotich’s abduction.
Gachagua alleged that Kiprotich was preparing a story on the Mau Forest involving thousands of evictees from the Kipsigis community and millions of shillings in compensation money.
“Mr Alex Kiprotich was preparing for an assignment in the Mau Forest, where thousands of Mau evictees from the Kipsigis community have been conned out of millions of shillings in compensation money by officials of the National Government Administration under the direction of Mr Murkomen and Mr Raymond Omollo. This money has been paid by the duo to their brokers and proxies. Alex was to publish an exposé giving a blow-by-blow account of how the funds have been stolen, leaving the evictees helpless and in anguish. A late-night meeting on Monday evening between Mr William Ruto and Mr Kipchumba Murkomen sealed the fate of Mr Alex Kiprotich, where it was decided that he had to be stopped,” Gachagua claimed in a statement on X.
The DCP leader also alleged that Kiprotich had been monitored before armed men intercepted him along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway and took him away.
Gachagua claimed the journalist was eventually abandoned near Masinga Dam, hundreds of kilometres from the point where he was abducted.
He further alleged that a surveillance team had been assembled under the direction of DCI Director Mohamed Amin and claimed the team included retired officer Zachary Kariuki.
“The DCI, Mr Mohamed Amin, was instructed to put Alex under 24-hour surveillance. The DCI assembled a team headed by one Mr Zachary Kariuki, who, though retired, has been recalled by Amin to coordinate this squad trained in abductions, killings, and cover-ups. This is the team that abducted Alex Kiprotich and was instructed to abandon the earlier plan to eliminate him after the abduction was captured live and provoked public outrage,” Gachagua explained.
The allegations have added another layer to the calls for investigations into the journalist’s ordeal, with questions remaining over the circumstances surrounding his abduction and those responsible for it.
The incident has continued to attract condemnation from media organisations, human rights groups, lawyers and opposition figures, who have raised concerns over the safety of journalists and the state of media freedom in Kenya.
Murkomen’s call for a speedy investigation and enhanced protection for journalists comes as pressure continues to build for answers over the incident and as the country prepares for the coming election period.